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THE   DIARIES    OF 
WILLIAM    CHARLES    MACREADY 


WIIJJAM    CHARLKS    MAClfKADY 

(1850) 

Froh)  Ike  bunt  by  IVilUdm  Btln}>:-),  in  thr  collection  oj  Mojor-Geiwal  C.  l-\  N.  Macvemiy,  C.B. 


THE  DIARIES 

OF 

WILLIAM    CHARLES 

MACREADY 

1833— 1851 


EDITED    BY 

WILLIAM    TOYNBEE 

author  of 
'vignettes  of  the  regekcv,"  "glimpses  of  the  twenties,"  etc. 


HITH    FORTr-NINE    PORTRAITS 


IN   TWO   VOLUMES 
VOL.   IL 


lo 


LONDON 

CHAPMAN    AND    HALL,    Ltd. 

1912 

[All  Righn  Rcseried] 


Richard  Clay  &  Sons,  Limited, 

brunswick  street,  stamford  street,  s.e. 

and  bungay,  suffolk. 


LIST    OF   PORTRAITS 


William  Charles  Macready  (1850)         ....        Frontispiece 
{From  th£  bust  by  William  Behnes  in  the  collection  of  Major-Oeneral  C.   F.  N. 
Macready,  C.B.) 

To  faer  -paye 

Sir  Edward  Bulwer  Lytton 2 

{From  an  engraving) 

Leigh  Hunt 22 

{F/'om  a  drawing  by  Daniel  Maclise,  It. A.) 

Mrs.  Glover 78 

{From  an  engraving  by  Garden) 

John  Forster  (1840) 104 

{From  a  drawing  by  Daniel  Maclise,  11. A.) 

Frances  Maria  Kelly 132 

{From  an  engraving  of  a  painting  by  S.  Druinmoiul.  A.RA.) 

Charles  Kean 142 

{From  an  engraving) 

Charles  James  Matthews 162 

{From  a  lithograph  if  a  paint ing  by  E.  Jones) 
Madame  Vestris  (Mrs.  Charles  J.  Matthews)    ....     168 

{From  an  engraving  by  J.  U.  Armytage) 

Adelaide  Kemble 190 

{From  an  engraving  of  a  ptunling  by  J.  M.   Wright) 

Samuel  Phelps 196 

{From  an  engraving  of  a  Daguerreotype) 

William  Charles  Macready  as  Macbeth 224 

{From  the  painting  by  John  Jackson,  It. A.,  in  the  collection  of  Major-General 
C.  F.  N.   Macready,  C.B.) 

Charlotte  Cushman 242 

(From  an  engraving  of  a  Daguerreotype) 

V 


LIST   OF   PORTRAITS 

Tu  fact  page 

Edwin  Forrest 274 

(From  an  enyraving  by  D.  I'ound  of  a  Daguerreottipe) 

William  Jerdan        ....  30G 

(From  a  drawing  by  Daniel  Maclise,  R.A.) 

Walter  Savage  Landor 338 

[From,  a  draicing  by  Count  UOrsay) 

Jenny  Lind 3G4 

{From  an  engraving  by  W.  G.  Wrankmore  of  a  painting  by  P.  0.  Wagntr) 

Fanny  Kemble SB6 

{Frmn  an  engraving  by  C.  Picart  of  a  painting  by  Sir  Thomas  Lawrence,  P.  R.A.) 

John  Vandenhoff 404 

{From  an  engraving  of  a  Daguerreotype) 

Mrs.  Siddons 440 

{From  an  engraving  by  C.  Turner  of  a  painting  by  Sir  T/ios.  Lawreme,  P.  R.A.) 

Daniel  Maclise,  E.A 4G6 

{Froon  an  engraviTig  by  J.  Smith  of  the  painting  by  E.  M.   Jf^ard,  A.  R.A.) 

William  Charles   Macready  (1843) 486 

{From  an  engrain ng  of  the  miniature  by  Robert   Thorburn  in  the  collection  of 
Major -General  C.  F.  iV.  Macready,   C.B.) 


VI 


THE   DIARIES    OF 

WILLIAM    CHARLES    MACREADY 

1839  {continued) 

May  6th. — Looked  at  the  newspaper.  Went  to  Covent  Garden 
theatre,  looking  over  Coriolanus  by  the  way.  Rehearsed  Coriolanus, 
which  gave  me  much  uneasiness,  for  it  ought  to  have  been  prepared  on 
Saturday.  1  was  much  fatigued  by  the  rehearsal.  Was  in  a  state  of 
extreme  nervousness — dispirited  and  unwell.  Note  from  Miss  Burdett, 
enclosing  £5  for  tickets.  Rose  in  a  very  nervous  state.  Acted 
Coriolanus.  Was  quite  struck,  as  by  a  shock,  on  seeing  the  pit  not 
full  at  my  entrance.  I  instantly,  whilst  I  bowed  to  the  audience,  rallied 
and  resolved  to  do  my  best.  It  is  a  useful  lesson  to  teach  me  how  I 
ought  to  estimate  my  own  exertion.  The  public  is,  of  course,  the  most 
selfish  of  human  bodies,  and  a  sensible  man  ought  to  act  upon  it  accord- 
ingly. Acted  the  part  moderately,  not  very  satisfactorily ;  was  called 
for  at  the  end,  and  on  my  appearance  a  great  number  of  bouquets  and 
wreaths  were  thrown  upon  the  stage.  I  was  not  the  less  low-spirited, 
and  still  "  gather  from  the  few  my  coronal  " — that  was  a  prophecy. 

May  1th. — Arose  in  somewhat  better  spirits  than  I  lay  down; 
consoled  by  the  reflection  that  the  disappointment  in  the  amount  of  the 
house  last  night  was  a  salutary  check  to  the  growth  of  my  self- 
estimation.  We  are  naturally  led  to  expect  that  the  exertions  and 
sacrifices  which  are  the  utmost  we  can  make,  and  therefore  are  great 
to  us,  should  be  esteemed  so  by  the  public,  and  that  our  own  ideas  of 
our  own  importance  should  be  echoed  or  reflected  by  the  enthusiasm  of 
the  public.  Whoever  thinks  thus  is  sure  of  disappointment.  Went  to 
Covent  Garden  theatre ;  found  the  receipt  awful  '.  Spoke  to  Serle  and 
Willmott.  Saw  Talfourd,  who  was  very  tipsy  and  told  me  of  Lord 
John  Russell's   speech  in   the   House,  announcing  the   resignation   of 

VOL.   II.  B  I 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1839 

Ministers   and    his   proposal  to   tlie    House    to   adjourn   to    Monday. 
Talfourd  was  very  tipsy,  and  talked  very  loud  as  we  passed  through  the 
hall  of  Peel,  Inglis,  AVarburton,  etc.,  not  caring  who  was  in,  so  long 
as  he  passed  his  Copyright  and  Infants'  Bills !  !     Patriotism  ! 

May  8th. — Heard  that  Sir  R.  Peel  had  received  the  Queen's  orders 
to  form  a  Ministry ;  was  deeply  distressed  to  hear  it,  feeling  that  the 
hopes  of  those  who  looked  forward  to  a  Government  as  an  instrument 
to  effect  the  moral  and  intellectual  improvement,  and  the  amelioration 
of  the  condition,  of  the  people  are  now  crushed.  I  suffered  much  from 
low  spirits.  Acted  Cardinal  Richelieu  pretty  well ;  was  called  for  by 
the  audience  and  well  received. 

May  dth. — Read  the  paper,  in  which  was  O'Connell's  letter — a 
very  good  one — to  the  people  of  Ireland,  urging  them  to  rise  against 
Tory  oppression  ;  a  very  good  leading  article  upon  the  suicidal  conduct 
of  the  Whigs,  more  particularly  of  Lord  John  Russell ;  a  letter  from 
Sir  W.  Molesworth  to  his  constituents,  and  offering,  if  his  conduct  be 
disapproved,  to  resign  his  seat.  In  the  paper  to-day — the  Times — I 
read  an  advertisement  of  the  closing  of  Drury  Lane,  "the  Promenade 
Concerts  having  terminated,"  etc.  Here,  then,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  is 
the  end  of  this  wretched  villain !  Here  is  an  end  of  the  "  honourable 
and  eminent  "  subject  of  Mr.  Thesiger's  and  Lord  Hertford's  praise! 

May  12f/i. — Forster  called,  evidently  to  make  himself  my  companion 
to  our  dinner-party;  this  was  not  quite  right,  but  we  went  together, 
and  found  at  Sir  Edward  Bulwer's — Lords  Lansdowne,  Normanby, 
Durham,  Comte  D'Orsay,  Colonel  Maberley,"  Macaulay,  Lady  Cork, 
Mrs.  Maberley,  and  a  young  man  unknown.  It  was  a  cheerful  day. 
I  was  amused  and  interested  to  see  the  anxiety — betraying  itself — of 
Bulwer  as  to  the  success  of  his  dinner.  He  could  iwt  be  at  his  ease. 
What  a  picture  he  would  have  made  of  himself  if  he  could  have  trans- 
ferred it  to  a  novel.     In  the  evening  Sir  de  Lacy  Evans, ^  D'Eyncourt, 

^  The  Government  had  brought  in  a  Bill  to  suspend  the  constitution  of  Jamaica,  and  in 
the  couri.e  of  the  debate  upon  it  were  only  able  to  carry  the  motion  that  the  Speaker  should 
leave  the  Chair  by  a  majority  of  five.  This  they  treated  as  a  vote  of  non-confidence,  and 
tendered  their  resignations.  The  Queen  then  sent  for  the  Duke  of  Wellington,  who  recom- 
mended that  Sir  Robert  Peel  should  be  commissioned  to  form  a  Government.  Peel 
consented,  but  stipulated  that  Whig  ladies  holding  Bedchamber  and  other  prominent 
appointments  in  the  Household  should  relinquish  them.  To  this  the  Queen  objected,  and 
Peel,  in  consequence,  declined  to  proceed  with  the  formation  of  the  Ministrj'.  The 
Melbourne  Goverimient  was  accordingly  reinstated.  The  incident  became  known  as  the 
"  Bedchamber  Plot." 

*  Lieutenant-Colunel  William  Leader  Maberley  (1798-1885),  then  joint-secretary  of  the 
Post  Office  ;  he  was  a  vigorous  opponent  of  Sir  Rowland  Hill's  reforms. 

"  Sir  George  de  Lacy  Evans  (1787-1870) ;  General,  G.C.I3.  ;  served  in  the  Peninsula, 
present  at  Waterloo,  and  engaged  in  the  Crimean  War. 
2 


SIR    EDWARD    BULWER    LYTTON 

From  an  engraving 


1839]  THE   DIARIES   OF   M  ACRE  AD  Y 

Fonblanque,  Lord  Nugent,  Sir  C.  and  Lady  Morgan,  Jerome  Bona- 
parte and  some  few  more  came.  Lord  Lansdowne  is  pleasant,  but,  I 
thought,  aristocratic.  T  did  not  quite  feel  satisfied  with  him.  Lord 
Durham  is  quiet  and  gentlemanly ;  but  I  saw  both  him  and  Bulwer  do 
things — in  fact,  betray  a  gaucherie  of  manner  ( !)  that  I  dare  not  for 
my  life  have  done.  What  a  farce  is  rank !  The  vmn's  the  gowd  for 
a'  that ! 

May  IWi. — Read  the  paper,  in  which  were  the  explanations  of  Sir 
R.  Peel  and  Lord  John  Russell.  I  thought  that  Peel  looked  little, 
very  unlike  a  great  man,  relying  on  his  purity  of  purpose  and  on  his 
claims  to  confidence;  but  his  party  cheered  him,  and  he  is,  to  his 
party,  a  great  man  1  Went  to  Covent  Garden  theatre ;  gave  long 
audience  to  Miss  H.  Faucit,  who  wished  to  consult  me  on  a  proposal 
made  to  her  to  engage  with  Madame  Vestris,  the  expected  lessee  of 
Covent  Garden  theatre. 

May  I5th. — Read  the  paper,  in  which  was  Lord  Melbourne's 
explanation.  In  the  evening  went  to  Lord  Nugent's,  where  I  met  Mrs. 
Norton,  Sir  F,  Chantrey,  Lover,  Sir  R.  Westmacott,  Westinacott,  jun. 
Heard  Mrs.  Norton  sing  a  song  of  her  own,  most  touching,  most 
charming.  Found  Forster  at  home ;  Dickens  had  been  there,  much 
pleased  with  Virginius. 

May  20th. — Rehearsed  Ion,  in  which  I  did  not  find  myself  at  all 
prepared — this  could  not  be  if  I  had  only  my  own  reputation  to  be 
careful  of.  All  things  tend  to  show  me  that  all  is  for  the  best,  and 
that  my  happiness  and  well-being  is  more  likely  to  be  ensured  by  a 
good  income  as  an  actor  than  as  a  manager.  Spoke  to  Miss  Faucit 
about  her  engagement.  Mr.  Farren  now  wishes  her  to  go  to  Madame 
Vestris.  She  does  not.  Talfourd,  Forster  and  Brydone  came  into  my 
room. 

May  24t/i. — Went  to  my  appointment  with  Lord  Uxbridge,^  of 
whom  I  do  not  entertain  a  very  high  opinion.  His  manners  are  merely 
average  ;  his  understanding  seems  far  below  average  ;  I  fancy  him  a  very 
proud  man,  which  the  deficiency  of  intellect,  if  I  am  right  in  that 
judgment,  accounts  for.  I  asked  him  if  he  would  be  disposed  to  exercise 
the  power  he  possesses  as  Lord  Chamberlain  to  give  a  licence  to  the 
artists  (a  term  he  did  not  seem  to  understand)  who  might  be  deprived 
of  the  means  of  employment  by  the  abuse  of  the  patents  by  the  present 
patentees  of  the  two  large  theatres.  He  promised  to  take  the  matter 
into  consideration  and  give  me  an  answer.  I  told  him  I  should  apply 
to  Parliament  if  he  declined,  but  that  I  applied,  in  courtesy,  to  liim 
^  Afterwards  second  Marquis  of  Anglesey. 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1839 

first.  I  then  asked  him  to  request  the  Queen  to  visit  us  in  state  before 
I  closed  the  theatre,  which  he  promised  he  would  do.  Miss  Faucit  came 
in.  I  wished  to  speak  with  her  on  her  Covent  Garden  engagement, 
and  I  am  very  sorry  I  did. 

May  25t/i. — Letter  from  White  and  \Vhitmore  with  the  version  of 
the  proprietors'  agreement — a  string  of  Jahehoods.  It  made  me  very 
angry,  and  I  went  very  imprudently  to  speak  to  Bartley  about  his  friend 
Robertson.  I  could  see  that  the  wretched  fellow  enjoyed  my  anger.  I 
soon  cooled,  but  was  ill  through  it.  Acted  ill — called  for.  Forster 
came — ill — ill. 

May  ^6th. — AVhat  a  dreadful  calamity  to  me — what  a  source  of 
continued  suffering  is  this  excitability  of  temper  to  me.  Impatience 
of  practices  upon  me,  whether  fraudulent  or  violent,  gives  my  enemies 
a  power  over  me  that  my  own  right  intentions  and  virtuous  purposes 
are  weak  before.  I  lose  all  power  of  self-examination  in  the  fever  of 
the  mind,  and  my  previous  discipline — through  religious  and  philo- 
sophical meditation — has  lost  all  its  effect  upon  me.  I  have  scarcely 
slept  the  whole  night,  the  pressure  on  my  head  made  me  at  one  time 
alarmed  for  my  clearness  of  reason.  I  got  up  and  took  medicine,  and 
tried  to  think  (though  vainly  for  a  long  time)  on  other  subjects  than 
this  detested  theatre.  God  forgive,  protect,  and  assist  me.  Unwell, 
but  better  than  in  the  night.  Looked  at  the  newspaper.  Browning 
called,  told  me  Sordello  was  finished. 

May  27t/i. — Phelps  came  in  and  asked  for  leave  to  quit  the  theatre  ; 
he  had  become  security  for  a  relation  who  had  embezzled  money,  and 
was  in  dread  of  the  consequences.  I  asked  him  of  the  particulars,  and, 
on  his  acquainting  me  with  them,  recommended  him  not  to  think  of 
going,  but  that  I  would  endeavour  to  advance  him  the  money,  and  he 
should  repay  me  upon  his  salary.  Miss  Faucit  came  in  to  speak  to  me 
about  stuffed  stockings.  Serle  and  Willmott  spoke  about  the  closing 
three  nights  next  week.  Brydone  came  in  on  business — spoke  with 
Stanfield.  Read  Foscari,  a\  hich  I  acted  very  indifferently  ;  was  called  for 
and  well  received.  Bulwer  and  Forster  came  into  my  room.  Bulwer 
told  me  that  Lord  John  Russell  had  postponed  his  Pklucation  Bill ! 

May  31st. — It  was  for  Mr.  Sheridan  Knowles  that  Forster  asked 
me  for  a  private  box!  This  man,  on  Avhom  I  have  heaped  benefits, 
unrequited,  many  unacknowledged,  all  forgotten,  now,  because  he  is 
envious  of  Bulwer's  success  and  angry  at  his  own  idleness,  descends  to 
the  baseness  of  requiring  a  favour  from  me  through  another  to  save 
himself  the  duty  of  acknoA\  ledging  it.  Poor  creature  ! 
4 


1839]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

June  1st. — Saw  in  the  Gazette  the  name  of  that  bad  man,  Bunn, 
as  having  sold  the  commission  of  Gentleman  Pensioner/  purchased  out 
of  the  pillage  of  the  actors'  salaries.  I  could  not  see  without  some 
satisfaction  that  retribution  has  been  at  last  awarded  to  him.  I  ques- 
tioned myself  upon  the  subject  of  revenge.  I  have  many  misgivings 
on  it.  If  interrogated  on  my  feelings  when  thinking  on  this  vile 
creature,  I  must  admit  that  I  have  very  much  wished  his  downfall. 
Did  this  arise  solely  from  the  injury  to  my  art  and  my  own  advance- 
ment that  his  continuance  in  power  occasioned  ?  Was  it  on  grounds 
of  sympathy  with  other  sufferers  and  on  abstract  points,  or  was  it  from 
personal  detestation  that  I  desired  his  degradation  ?  When  put  out  of 
the  theatres,  shall  I  feel  indifference  towards  him  ?  Shall  I  forget  to 
think  with  bitterness  on  the  injury  he  did  me  ?  I  think — I  hope  I  shall. 
But,  alas !  I  ought  to  have  felt  thus  long  since.  Passion,  the  want  of 
due  control  on  the  violent  impulses  of  an  ill-educated  disposition  has 
been  the  cause  of  much,  much  misery  to  me.  God  Almighty  grant 
that  my  blessed  children  may  avoid  my  errors,  and  escape  my  bitter 
hours  of  internal  struggling,  and  severe  compunction,  and  depressing 
shame !  Forster  called.  George  Robins  came  and  offered  me  Drury 
Lane  theatre  on  the  lowest  possible  rent — on  one  that  I  must  gain.  I 
said  I  could  not  risk — could  not  undertake  the  labour  except  for  certain 
payment.  Went  to  Elstree  with  Letitia.  Delighted  and  elevated  to  a 
lighter-hearted  feeling  than  I  have  known  for  many,  many  days,  in  look- 
ing again  at  the  well-remembered  spot,  endeared  to  me  by  happy  hours 
and  years  of  enjoyment,  and  also  by  moments  of  sadness  and  reflection. 

London,  June  Srd. — Business  with  Stanfield,  who  came  to  consult 
me  on  the  subject  of  the  painting  of  the  Conspiracy,  in  which  he  had 
sketched  a  thought  that  I  had  before  entertained,  but  I  do  not,  on 
reflection,  feel  quite  sure  about.  The  last  night,  the  fifty-fifth,  of  the 
Tempest  was  crowded.  I  felt  quite  melancholy  as  we  approached  the 
end  of  the  play ;  it  had  become  endeared  to  me  from  success  and  the 
benefit  it  had  conferred  upon  my  undertaking.  I  acted  Prospero  as 
well  as  I  could,  and  was  called  for  and  well  received.  I  look  back 
upon  its  production  with  satisfaction,  for  it  has  given  to  the  public  a 
play  of  Shakspeare  which  had  never  been  seen  before,  and  it  has 
proved  the  charm  of  simplicity  and  poetry. 

June  5th. — Went  to  Covent  Garden  theatre,  where  I  had  a  long 

'  The  possibility  of  such  a  Iransaction  during  the  reign  of  Queen  Victoria  is  astonishing 
but  not  more  so  than  that  such  a  person  as  Mr.  Bunn  should  have  been  ehgible  to  the 
Honourable  Corps  of  Gentlemen-at-Arms. 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1839 

rehearsal  of  four  acts  of  King  Henry  V.  Tried  on  the  armour  of  Henry 
and  dined  in  it.  Sent  for  Stanfield  and  laid  before  him  my  objection 
to  the  trick-ship  in  the  diorama,  as  giving  a  character  of  pageant  and 
pantomime  to  the  whole  production ;  he  agreed  with  me,  and  arranged 
differently  on  my  suggestion.  Lay  down  and  slept  for  about  an  hour, 
which  was  a  great  relief  to  me.  Note  from  Bulwer  addressing  me  "  My 
dear  Sir,"  and  asking  for  a  box  and  admission  for  persons  behind  the 
scenes.  I  had  a  very  satisfactory  conversation  with  Miss  H.  Faucit, 
to  whom  I  communicated  Mr.  Webster's  message,  and  who  was  very 
open  with  me  as  to  her  objects ;  she  was  to  write  to  him.  Talked  after- 
wards with  Serle  on  the  advantage  that  might  accrue  to  his  play  if  she 
were  to  play  the  serious  part  and  Miss  Taylor  the  comic,  provided  he 
could  induce  Miss  Taylor  to  relinquish  the  serious  one,  all  rights  to 
be,  of  course,  respected. 

June  1th. — Rehearsed  the  play  of  King  Henry  V,  trying  to  make 
the  most  of  the  opportunity  in  all  ways ;  but  I  was  sadly  tired — indeed 
exhausted.  Amused  with  Mr.  Healey's  excessive  apprehension  about 
receiving  an  accidental  blow  or  two  in  Pistol,  and  his  anger  at  Mr. 
Baker's  laughter  when  he  did  receive  one — he  is  a  great  ass ! 

June  8th. — Tried  on  my  armour,  which  I  wore  through  the  after- 
noon, and  was  obliged  at  last  to  put  off  for  its  weight.  Lay  down  to 
rest.  Brydone  came  in.  Forster,  Mr.  Kenyon,  Dickens  and  his  friend 
Maclise,  came  to  the  night  rehearsal  of  King  Henry  V,  which  went  off 
tolerably  smoothly.     Forster  walked  home  with  me. 

June  9th. — Put  on  my  armour  for  King  Henry  V,  and  moved  and 
sat  in  it  until  half-past  three  o'clock.  Sent  a  note  to  Forster,  from 
whom  I  received  an  answer,  and  who  shortly  afterwards  called. 
Endeavoured  to  master  some  difficulties  in  the  acting  of  King  Henry  V, 
rehearsing  in  my  armour. 

June  10th. — Went  to  Covent  Garden  theatre,  where  I  saw  Stanfield, 
Bradwell,  Head,  etc.  Sent  out  the  notes  due.  Had  a  very  fatiguing 
rehearsal  of  the  play,  with  which  I  was  much  annoyed.  Lay  down  on 
the  bed  for  about  three-quarters  of  an  hour,  and  rose  unrefreshed  and 
very  nervous.  Strove  to  reason  myself  into  a  state  of  self-possession 
and  collectedness,  but  felt  that  I  had  bestowed  so  much  time  and 
thought  on  others'  characters  and  on  the  ensemble  of  the  play  that  1 
was  not  in  perfect  command  of  what  I  had  to  do  for  my  individual  part. 
Began  the  play  of  King  Henry  T'  *  in  a  very  nervous  state,  but  en- 

*  The  Covent  Garden  playbill  of  June  lo,  1839,  contains  the  following  notice:     "In 
announcing  this  last  Shikspearian  revival  it  may  be  advisable,  if  not  necessary,  to  depart  so 
6 


1889]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

deavouring  to  keep  my  mind  clear.  Acted  sensibly  at  first,  and  very 
spiritedly  at  last ;  was  very  greatly  received,  and  when  called  on  at 
last,  the  whole  house  stood  up  and  cheered  me  in  a  most  fervent 
manner.  I  gave  out  the  repetition  of  the  play  for  four  nights  a  week 
till  the  close  of  the  season.  Lord  Nugent,  Jerdan,  Forster,  Browning, 
Serle,  etc.,  came  into  my  room.  Catherine  and  Letitia  were  there,  and 
I  accompanied  them  back  to  Elstree  in  a  state  of  the  greatest  excite- 
ment. It  is  the  last  of  my  attempts  to  present  to  the  audience 
Shakspeare's  own  meaning. 

Elstree,  June  11th. — I  slept  very  little,  woke  early,  unrefreshed  and 
unequal  to  a  day  of  labour.  Rose  very  late,  saw  ray  darling  children 
and  dined  with  them ;  walked  in  the  garden  and  at  three  o'clock 
returned  in  the  carriage  to  town,  Catherine  and  Letitia  accompanying 
me.  Stopped  Billings's  coach,  and  got  from  it  a  parcel  containing  the 
newspapers  which  Forster  had  sent.  They  were  all  favourable.  Was 
quite  beaten  to  the  ground  by  fatigue,  I  may  say  exhaustion  of  mind 
and  body.  Attended  to  business  afterwards.  Forster  called,  and 
I  came  to  my  lodgings,  scarcely  able  to  crawl.  I  have  never  felt  a 
heavier  weight  than  this  play  has  been.  Thank  God  that  it  is  over, 
and  so  well  over. 

London,  June  l^th. — Serle  read  me  a  letter  from  myself  to  the 
Lord  Chamberlain,  asking  for  a  personal  licence,  which  I  approved.  I 
lay  down  and  tried  to  compose  myself  to  read  or  think  of  King  Henry  V ; 
it  was  utterly  impossible.  I  acted  the  part.  My  God,  what  a  state  to 
be  in  to  act !  I  got  through  it,  was  called  for  and  well  received.  After 
the  play  had  a  long  conference  with  Serle,  Brydone,  Forster  and 
Willmott,  on  what  was  to  be  done.     Brydone  had  appointed  White  and 

far  from  the  usual  practice  of  this  management  as  to  offer  a  few  words  in  explanation  or 
apology  for  what  may  seem  an  innovation. 

"  Tlie  play  of  A'ing  Henry  V  \%  ■a.  dramatic  history,  and  the  poet,  to  preserve  the 
continuity  of  the  action,  and  connect  what  would  otherwise  be  detached  scenes,  has  adopted 
from  the  Greek  Drama  the  expedient  of  a  Chorus  to  narrate  and  describe  intervening 
incidents  and  events. 

"To  impress  more  strongly  on  the  auditor,  and  render  more  palpable  those  portions  oi 
the  story  which  have  not  the  advantage  of  action,  and  still  are  requisite  to  the  drama's  com- 
pleteness, the  narrative  and  descriptive  poetry  spoken  by  the  Chorus  is  accompanied  with 
pictorial  illustrations  from  the  pencil  of  Mr.   Stanfield." 

The  cast  of  the  play  included  Mr.  Vandenhoff  as  the  Chorus,  Mr.  Elton  as  the  Duke  of 
Exeter,  Mr.  Hartley  as  Erpingham,  Mr.  Ai.derson  as  Captain  Gower,  Mr.  Meadows  as 
Fluellen,  Mr.  Warde  as  Williams,  Mr.  Bedford  and  Mr.  Harley  as  Bardolph  and  Pistol, 
Miss  P.  Horton  as  their  Boy,  Mrs.  C.  Jones  as  Mrs.  Quickly,  Mr.  G.  Bennett  as  the  King 
of  France,  Mr.  Vining  as  the  Dauphin,  Mr.  Howe  as  the  Duke  of  Orleans,  Mr.  Phelps  as 
Charles  d' Albert,  and  Miss  Vandenhoff  as  Katherine— («(?/^  by  Sir  F,  Pollock). 

1 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1839 

Whitmore  to  come  at  twelve  to-morrow.  I  left  at  twelve.  Wallace 
accompanied  me  to  ask  me  to  lend  him  X12 — this  is  not  right ;  he  has 
had  enough  from  me.  He  toM  ine  he  never  went  to  hed  till  two  or 
three,  so  kept  me  up  lathering  me  with  this  business  till  two ! 

June  IStfi. — Looked  at  newspaper ;  saw  a  letter  calling  on  certain 
distingues  to  form  themselves  into  a  committee  to  make  a  public 
testimonial  to  me — which  was  suggested  last  year  and  will  be  carried 
into  effect. 

June  16th. — Came  to  town  with  Catherine  and  Letitia,  reading 
Bulwer's  play  of  Norman  by  the  way.  /  do  not  like  it.  Dressed  in 
great  haste,  and  went  with  Catherine  to  Horace  Twiss's  to  dinner.  Met 
there  Sir  George  Grey,  T.  Hope,  Pemberton,  Herries,  B.  Disraeli,  Miss 
Herries,  Mrs.  Blackburn,  Mrs.  Wyndham  Lewis, ^  Bonham-Carter,  etc. 
Rather  an  agreeable  day,  though  we  arrived  after  all  had  sat  down. 
Disraeli  made  acquaintance  with  me,  and  told  me  a  good  story  of  Hume. 
Pemberton  renewed  our  acquaintance  formed  at  Rome  in  1822.  I 
found  that  Daniel  Webster  "  had  called  upon  my  return  home. 

June  11th. — Daniel  Webster  called  and  sat  a  short  time.  He 
seemed  greatly  pleased  with  England.  Settled  on  closing  the  theatre, 
July  16th,  with  Willmott.     I  am  anxious  to  feel  free  of  it. 

June  18th. — Went  out  to  breakfast  with  Harness.  Met  there, 
besides  his  sister,  Mrs.  Opie,  Miss  Rogers,  Dyce,^  whom  I  like  very 
much,  and  Sir  W.  and  I^ady  Chatterton."*  Mr.  Kenyon  came  later.  I 
passed  an  agreeable  morning.  I  was  very  glad  to  hear  that  Dyce  had 
seen  all  the  Shakspearian  revivals,  and  been  greatlj'  pleased  with  them. 
I  was  also  glad  to  find  (in  confirmation  of  his  judgment)  that  he  did  not 
at  all  coincide  with  Harness  in  his  opinion  of  Mrs.  Butler  as  an  actress ; 
Harness,  who  some  time  ago  could  see  nothing  to  like  in  me,  was  obliged 
to  be  restrained  by  Dyce  last  night  in  the  vehement  expression  of  his 
enthusiasm  !  How  we  are  the  creatures  of  prejudice  !  How  little  truth 
is  in  us!  Sent  for  the  Sunday  Times,  with  the  notice  of  King  Henry 
in  it.  I  was  disgusted — these  ignorant  coxcombs  are  our  critics  ! 
What  wonder  if  our  art  is  low,  when  such  are  the  distributors  of  its 
rewards ! 

June  19th. — Read  the  papers,  the  debate  on  the  Ballot,  which,  I 
rejoice  to  see,  gains  advocates.     Read  Henry  V  and   rested,  having 

'  Afterwar^ls  Mrs.  Disraeli.  *  The  American  orator  and  statesman. 

=*  William  Dyce,  R.A.  (1806-1S64) ;  chiefly  known  as  a  painter  of  frescoes. 
*  Henrietta  Georgians  Marcia  La.scelles  Chatterton  (1806-1876) ;  an  authoress  of  some 
note  in  her  day. 


1839]  THE   DIARIES   OF   M  ACRE  AD  Y 

again  tried  on  my  armour.  Acted  King  Henry  V  (I  think)  better  than 
on  any  previous  occasion,  but  was  not  called  for,  which  shows  the  actual 
value  of  this  idle  compliment. 

June  Wth. — Began  the  sketch  of  my  last  speech.  Read  Norman 
again ;  was  much  struck  with  the  effect  of  the  two  last  acts,  though  I  do 
not  altogether  like  the  play,  it  is  far  too  melodramatic.  Wrote  to 
Bulwer  upon  it.  Mr.  Phelps  called,  and  spoke  to  me  about  his  engage- 
ment at  Haymarket ;  seemed  to  entertain  very  sensible  views.  Read 
the  newspapers — the  debate  on  education,  in  which  Charles  Buller  made 
a  very  good  speech.  Saw  in  the  Court  news  that  the  Websters^  were 
at  the  Queen's  ball,  which  I  was  glad  to  know.  Bulwer,  C.  Buller,  and 
Talfourd  were  also  there.  It  is  not  a  pleasing  reflection,  without  caring 
for  the  thing  itself,  that  my  pariah  profession  should  entitle  me  to  the 
lavish  expression  of  public  praise,  and  exclude  me  from  distinctions 
which  all  my  compeers  enjoy.  Mais,  Monsieur,  "  il  faut  cultiver  notre 
jardin."  Brydone  came  in  and  spoke  about  accounts.  It  appears  that 
we  have  acted  the  Tempest  fifty-five  nights  to  an  average  exceeding 
£230.  This  is  not  a  common  event.  Forster  came,  and  hearing  that 
I  had  hashed  venison,  consented  to  have  a  dish  sent  for. 

June  21. St. — Tried  to  make  way  with  my  speech,  but  found  it  very 
diflBcult.  I  wish  to  say  much,  and  if  I  do  not  say  it  very  briefly,  I  had 
better  say  nothing.  Came  to  town  in  a  chaise  that  seemed  to  have 
hatched  all  the  poultry  in  the  village  for  half  a  century  back.  I  was 
ashamed  to  be  seen  in  such  a  thing,  and  slept  my  journey  to  town  away 
in  it.  The  driver  took  me  all  down  Regent  Street  to  Carlton  Place, 
Pall  Mall,  then  round  the  National  Gallery,  up  St.  Martin's  Lane, 
through  Long  Acre,  down  Bow  Street  to  the  stage-door,  Covent  Garden 
theatre.  My  patience  was  quite  exhausted.  Miss  H.  Faucit  had  sent 
me  a  note  asking  me  for  a  box  for  Monday.  She  came  to  me  for  it, 
and  I  took  the  opportunity  of  delivering  Webster's  message  to  her,  and 
of  feeling  how  far  she  was  disposed  to  receive  the  proposition.  She  was 
open  to  reason,  but  her  advisers  at  home  are  her  objection  to  a  short 
engagement.     I  do  not  think  anything  will  result  from  it. 

June  22nd. — I  was  speaking  with  Willmott,  who  "did  not  think 
Mr.  Bunn  an  honest  man  " — mighty  God ! — whilst  he  described  him  as 
afraid  to  take  the  benefit  of  the  Insolvent  Act,  as  being  liable  to  be 
remanded  for  three  years,  and  unable  to  become  a  bankrupt,  when 
Brydone  and  Lardner  entered,  Brydone 's  face  full  of  gloom ;  he  began 
to  say  he  had  sad  news.  I,  of  course,  only  thought  of  Covent  Garden 
*  Daniel  Webster  and  his  wife. 

9 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1839 

with  his  news.  But  Lardner  abruptly  interrupted  him  and  said,  "It's 
best  to  speak  out — poor  Wallace  is  dead  !  "  I  really  did  not  clearly 
understand  at  the  first  moment  what  the  words  meant.  Brydone 
repeated  the  news,  and  I  became  too  well  assured  that  another  friend — 
a  faithful  and  affectionate  one,  as  far  as  his  nature  could  form  attach- 
ment— had  gone  from  me ;  it  gave  me  a  shock  that  I  could  not  get 
over.  I  shall  never  see  him,  never  hear  again  what  I  would  now  give 
so  much  to  endure — his  prolixities,  his  important  nothings,  but  above 
all  his  shrewd  and  sensible  observations  where  action  and  conduct  were 
needed.  My  poor,  poor  friend  ;  God  receive  and  bless  him !  Amen ! 
He  was  utterly  unaware  of  his  approaching  death,  and  thought  to  nearly 
the  last  moment  that  he  should  be  well.  He  died  quite  tranquilly. 
Farewell !  farewell !  Desired  Lardner  to  consider  that  I  would  willingly 
do  whatever  might  be  required  in  his  funeral,  etc. 

Elstree,  June  24t/^. — Called  on  Mr.  D.  Webster,  whom  I  found  at 
home,  some  gentleman  calling  on  him.  I  did  not  think  he  seemed 
quite  easy  at  my  call.  Is  it  that  he  has  been  much  caressed,  and  not 
met  me  in  the  high  regions,  where  he  has  been  spending  his  days  in 
England,  or  to  what  am  I  to  attribute  what,  without  anything  like 
jealousy  or  even  uncomfortableness  of  feeling,  I  cannot  help  perceiving 
to  be  a  changed  and,  I  should  say,  an  awkward  demeanour?  It  does 
not  distress  me  at  all.  I  have  a  consciousness,  at  least,  of  equal  worth 
with  all  these  men  in  the  intentions  of  my  heart  towards  my  fellow-men, 
and  much  more  honesty  than  nine-tenths  of  them.  I  talked  with  him 
and  his  other  visitor  for  a  little  while,  and  then  left  him  on  the  under- 
standing that  he  would  not  make  his  intended  visit  to  Greenwich  but 
with  me.  I  am  now  so  indifferent  about  it  that  I  hope  he  will  not 
remind  me  of  it.  Very  civil  note  from  Mr.  Holt  of  the  Age,  which  I 
answered. 

June  25th. — Catherine  and  I,etitia  wished  to  dissuade  me  from  my 
intention  of  going  to  the  funeral  of  my  poor  friend,  Wallace.  I  felt 
that  any  neglect,  or  slight,  or  selfish  excuse  I  could,  were  he  alive,  atone 
for  or  justify ;  this  is  the  last  tribute  of  respect  and  attachment  I  can 
show  to  him,  and  I  should  think  with  painful  regret,  indeed,  with 
compunction  on  my  dereliction  of  this  last  duty  if  I  am  able  to  discharge 
it.  I  was  much  better ;  dressed  and  set  off  in  the  carriage,  reading 
Serle's  play  upon  the  road.  I  fear  it  is  heavy  and  slow — a  grievous 
fault ;  but  this  might  be  concealed  if  the  heroine,  upon  whom  the  play 
rests,  were  a  first-rate  actress.  On  reaching  poor  Wallace's,  I  looked 
at  the  coffin,  containing  all  that  remained  of  my  poor  friend.  His  age 
lO 


1839]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

was  stated  fifty-three ;  I  think  he  was  older.  How  difficult  to  believe 
that  what  only  three  days  since  had  life,  affections,  strong  intellectual 
faculties — what  five  days  ago  I  parted  with  in  the  cordial  hope  of 
meeting  again,  lies,  a  mass  of  corruption,  encased  in  that  mournful 
narrow  piece  of  furniture  !  It  is  not  easy  to  persuade  oneself  of  all 
the  reality  before  us.  Lardner,  Brydone,  Dr.  Burke  arrived.  We 
talked  much  of  poor  Wallace.  Dr.  Burke  observed  that  no  one  would 
have  done  for  Wallace  what  Lardner  did,  and  that  he  always  spoke  of 
Lardner  in  most  grateful  terms.  How  strange  this  is !  He  did  not. 
He  thought  Lardner  acted  too  much  en  marcJiand  with  him ;  and  cer- 
tainly, though  Lardner's  connection  was  of  service  to  Wallace,  he  gave 
it  on  terms,  not  only  safe,  but  really  advantageous  to  himself.  Lardner, 
however,  took  the  compliment,  and  in  my  hearing,  though  he  knew  I 
had  assisted  the  poor  fellow  to  an  amount  that  shocked  him  when 
mentioned  to  him !  His  poor  little  dog  remained  in  his  corner  by  his 
dead  master's  empty  chair,  never  leaving  it  but  at  the  sound  of  the 
gate-bell,  when  he  would  rush  to  see  if  it  was  Wallace,  and  then  return 
to  his  fireside  corner !  Sheil  arrived,  and  we  set  out  to  the  church. 
The  poor  servant  girl,  who  had  lived  with  Wallace  some  years,  had 
been  in  a  state  of  dreadful  anguish  ever  since  his  death.  It  was  a  relief 
to  lose  the  sound  of  her  moans  and  sobs.  Sheil  observed  that  it  was 
"very  extraordinary  to  see  so  much  feeling  in  those  kind  of  people." 
I  did  "not  see  that."  He  said,  "There's  nothing  of  the  sort  among 
people  in  high  society."  I  answered,  "Then,  thank  God,  it  exists 
somewhere."  I  followed  his  body  and  saw  it  laid  in  its  last  resting- 
place.  The  earth  was  thrown  upon  him,  and  my  heart  uttered  a  prayer 
for  him.     God  bless  him,  and  farewell ! 

June  SOth. — Came  to  the  conclusion  that  if  it  were  ever  proposed 
to  me  to  undertake  the  management  of  a  theatre  again,  I  should  give 
no  answer  tmtil  I  had  read  carefully  over  the  diaries  of  the  tivo  years 
now  past. 

London,  July  2nd. — Miss  H.  Faucit  asked  to  speak  with  me — I 
expected  she  would ;  it  was  to  tell  me,  what  I  knew,  that  she  was 
engaged  at  the  Haymarket.  Bulwer  called,  and  told  me  that  Lord 
Lansdowne  was  very  friendly  to  my  cause,  and  thought  my  request 
would  be  granted  for  a  licence.  He  advised  me  to  apply  directly  to 
Lord  Melbourne,  and  that  he  would  also  move  Lord  Holland  and  Lord 
John  Russell. 

July  3rd. — Finished  Serle's  play,  of  which  I  hold  a  very  good 
opinion,  regretting  that  the  entire  strength  and  weight  of  the  play  is 

II 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1839 

throun  upon  the  woman's  character,  which  has  been  assigned  to  Miss 
Taylor.  Renewed  my  attempts  at  my  closing  speech,  and  with  much 
better  promise  of  successful  completion.  I  think  I  see  my  way  into  all 
that  I  need  say.  Sent,  in  answer  to  his  request,  six  places  to  Mr. 
Delane  ^  of  the  Times !  Forster  mentioned  to  me  that  Talfourd  had 
Mr.  C.  Kean  at  his  dinner-party  on  Sunday,  and  actually  finessed  to 
get  hira  as  his  companion  in  his  carriage  to  Lord  Morpeth's  fete!  He 
said  that  lie  was  "glad  "  poor  Wallace  "was  dead."  The  pen  stops 
in  noticing  the  behaviour  of  this  w^eak  and  foolish  man.  I  have  been 
reluctant  long  to  see  what  I  cannot  close  ray  eyes  to.  Lord  Nugent 
came  into  my  room  and  told  me  that  the  Duke  of  Sussex  had  very 
readily  agreed  to  take  the  chair  at  the  dinner  to  be  given  to  me,  which 
he  proposed  for  the  SOth,  to  which  I  assented. 

Elstree,  July  1th. — Walked  in  the  garden,  enjoying  this  delicious  air 
and  the  sight  and  smell  of  the  beautiful  jSowers,  and  listening  to  the 
happy  songs  of  the  birds.  Went  to  afternoon  church  with  Nina  and 
Catherine.  What  a  waste  of  time  to  hear  such  unintelligible  stuff 
forced  upon  the  patience,  and  perplexing  the  bewildered  intellects  of 
the  poor  labouring  people !  What  a  benevolent  and  rational  man 
might  do  with  the  high  resolve  of  devoting  himself  to  the  improvement 
of  the  condition,  moral  and  intellectual,  of  his  fellow-men  !  Read  a 
little  in  the  Greek  Testament. 

London,  July  8th. — Read  the  newspapers.  Was  in  very  low  spirits 
at  the  prospect  in  the  box-office,  and  the  complete  silence  in  the  papers 
upon  the  dinner.  This  is  my  own  fault.  I  suffer  myself  to  be  so  elated 
by  the  mere  prospect  of  any  good  that  I  exhaust  my  enjoyment  of  it 
before  it  arrives.  This  is  my  unhappy  want  of  mental  discipline ;  to 
live  for  the  present,  and  to  do  one's  duty  in  that  little  point  of  time, 
enjoying  all  it  brings,  is  the  best  wisdom.  Sent  to  Head  about  my 
clothes,  which  he  brought ;  but  he  informed  me  that  he  had  received 
an  order  from  Mr.  Robertson,  that  by  order  of  the  proprietors  he  was 
not  to  allow  me  to  take  away  any  of  the  clothes  which  I  had  had  made 
for  myself !  I  really  did  not  well  know  what  to  say  to  him  ;  he  was 
very  civil ;  I  told  him  he  was  quite  right,  but  to  bring  the  clothes — he 
was  my  servant,  and  if  he  did  not  obey  my  orders  I  should  discharge 
him.  He  brought  them  immediately,  and  I  locked  them  in  ray 
imperials.  Serle  came  in,  and  we  held  a  long  consultation  upon  what 
was  to  be  done  with   these   blackguards.      I  observed   that  the  high 

^  Probably  J.  T.  Delane's  father ;  the  future  editor  was  then  not  moi(j  than  twenty-two, 
and  did  not  enter  upon  his  oflice  till  two  years  later. 
12 


1839]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

position — regarded  at  the  present  moment  so  widely  and  so  respectfully 
— in  which  I  stood,  set  a  direct  bar  against  the  thought  of  any  squabble, 
row,  or  vulgar  imbroglio — a  loud  dispute,  personal  resistance,  or  the 
interference  of  a  police  officer  would  ruin  all  that  had  been  done  and 
was  doing.  People  would  shrinh  away  from  what  at  present  engaged 
so  much  of  their  interest.  I  must  hear  still  every  accumulation  of 
indignity  and  insult  that,  in  their  way,  they  dare  offer  me.  I  saw  it 
clearly,  and  resolved  not  to  attempt  to  remove  anything,  but  to  lock 
my  boxes,  and  prosecute  them  if  they  detained  my  property.  I 
suffered  very  much  from  the  state  of  mind  into  which  this  threw  me, 
but  reasoned  myself  into  something  like  calmness.  I  felt  as  if  a  gnat 
or  bug  had  stung  me,  and  as  if  I  had  thrown  away  my  temper  on  it. 
Wrote  to  Mrs.  Buller  a  doubtful  answer,  but  I  could  not — I  had  not 
the  heart  to  think  of  going  out.  Acted  tolerably  well,  my  voice  occa- 
sionally failing  me  and  keeping  me  in  fear.  Was  called  for  and  well 
received.  Brydone  brought  me  an  account  (counted)  of  the  Hay  market 
house — £104 — including  the  Free  List.  These  are  their  great  houses  ! 
Note  from  Mr.  Skerrett.  The  Queen  Dowager  was  in  the  Warwick  box 
to-night.     Browning  came  and  talked  with  me. 

July  9th. — Tried  to  confirm  my  resolution  to  preserve  a  dignified 
bearing  through  the  attempts  to  insult  and  cheat  me  which  these  knaves 
and  their  agent  are  making ;  it  is  only  the  bite  or  sting  of  some  disgust- 
ing insect  or  reptile — it  is  nothing  more !  Pray  God,  I  may  continue 
to  reason  thus !  Copied  out  the  materials  for  my  dinner  speech — a 
ceremony  I  could  well  dispense  with.  Walked  to  Covent  Garden 
theatre,  Willmott  came  in,  and  showed  me  the  Haymarket  Bill,  in  which 
Mr.  W^ebster  has  announced  Mr.  C.  Kean  for  Shylock,  as  well  as  Sir 
E.  Mortimer;  the  man  is  a  fool,  there  is  no  hope  from  him.  The  art 
is  all  at  sea  again. 

July  11th. — Was  in  a  tumult  of  excitement  which,  after  some  time, 
I  perceived  and  endeavoui'ed  to  subdue.  The  freedom  from  further 
responsibility  and  care,  the  honourable  mode  of  terminating  my  engage- 
ment with  the  performers,  the  flattering  testimonials  in  the  public 
reception  of  me,  and  in  the  compliment  offered,  are  altogether  enough 
to  interfere  with  the  sober  and  steady  course  of  any  man.  Prosperity  is 
most  intoxicating,  but  adversity  is  the  real  benefactor  of  mankind. 

July  12th. — Darling  little  Joan's  birthday.  God  Almighty  bless 
and  watch  over  and  make  her  grow  in  goodness  and  in  happiness. 
Went  to  town  in  the  carriage  with  Letitia.  The  weather  was  most 
delightful,  and  I  enjoyed  it  very,  very  much.     Thinking  of  the  estima- 

T3 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1839 

tion  in  which  I  seemed  to  be  held,  which,  when  I  reflect,  extends 
throughout  so  very  small  a  circle!  Each  man's  "world  "  is,  in  truth, 
a  very,  very  little  globe,  while  to  himself  it  is  a  universe ;  we  indulge 
great  hopes,  form  great  plans,  bustle  about,  and  die !  What  was  of 
value  amidst  all  the  tumult  ?  The  little  virtue  and  the  little  love  that 
made  its  intervals. 

July  15th. — Addressed  the  performers  assembled  in  the  green-room. 
Told  them  that  to-morrow  would  have  its  own  business,  and  I  did  not 
wish  to  extend  my  stay  in  this  theatre  ;  that  I  wished  to  see  them  merely 
to  say  that  at  our  last  meeting  I  had  pledged  myself  to  keep  the  theatre 
open  to  the  latest  possible  period,  without  requiring  any  condition  from 
them.  I  had  done  so  under  every  species  of  outrage  and  petty  insult 
that  these  persons,  the  proprietors,  could  put  upon  me  through  my  own 
servants ;  that  I  had  laid  a  moral  obligation  on  myself,  and  as  what  I 
had  said  to  them  on  the  subject  of  my  undertaking  not  being  a  mer- 
cenary one,  I  was  here  to-day  to  discharge  it.  At  the  same  time,  in 
the  kindest  spirit,  as  my  connection  with  them  must  end  here,  I  felt 
that  they  had  not  done  me  justice  in  evading  the  direct  statement  of 
the  proprietors'  conduct,  which  they  admitted  to  be  false  and 
treacherous.  I  hoped  if  another  person,  equally  disposed  to  befriend 
their  art  and  them,  should  ever  step  forward  again,  that  they  would 
be  truer  to  themselves  in  being  truer  to  him.  Vining  and  Bennett 
said  something  in  exculpation,  but  it  went  to  nothing.  I  imputed 
blame  to  them  only  for  yielding  to  the  advice  of  a  person  who  had 
misled  them.  They  would  know  who  had  done  so.  Colonel  Cavendish 
came  from  the  Queen  to  say  she  would  come  to-night.  Acted  King 
Henry  V  very  well ;  was  called  for  and  well  received. 

July  IGth. — Tried  to  sleep  on  the  sofa  for  a  short  half-hour.  Rose 
and  prepared  to  play  in  a  very  depressed  condition.  My  reception  was 
so  great,  from  a  house  crowded  in  every  part,  that  I  was  shaken  by  it. 
I  acted  King  Henry  V  better  than  I  had  yet  done,  and  the  house 
responded  to  the  spirit  in  which  I  played.  The  curtain  fell  amidst  the 
loudest  applause,  and  when  I  had  clianged  my  dress  I  went  before  the 
curtain,  and,  amidst  shoutings  and  wavings  of  hats  and  handkerchiefs 
by  the  whole  audience  standing  up,  the  stage  was  literally  covered  with 
wreaths,  bouquets,  and  branches  of  laurel.  When  at  last  the  dense 
mass  resumed  their  seats,  and  the  tumult  subsided  to  the  stillest  silence, 
I  began  my  address.  The  cheering  was  renewed  as  I  bowed  and  left 
the  stage,  and  as  I  passed  through  the  lane  which  the  actors  and 
people,  crowding  behind,  made  for  me,  they  cheered  me  also.     Forster 

H 


1889]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

came  into  my  room,  and  was  much  affected ;  Fox  was  quite  shaken ; 
Dickens,  MacHse,  Stanfield,  T.  Cooke,  Blanchard,  Lord  Nugent  (who 
had  not  been  in  the  theatre),  Bulwer,  Hockley  of  Guildford,  Browning, 
Serle,  Brydone,  Willmott,  came  into  my  room ;  most  of  them  asked  for 
memorials  from  the  baskets  and  heaps  of  flowers,  chaplets,  and  laurels 
that  were  strewn  upon  the  floor.  Went  home  tvith  Catherine  and 
Letitia,  carrying  the  wreaths,  etc. 

Elstree,  July  17t/t. — Late  up,  and  when  up  onl}'  feeling  the  freedom 
from  heavy  duties,  and  enjoying  the  air  and  trees  and  flowers.  Re- 
ceived the  newspapers.  The  Morning  Herald  I  presume  to  have  been 
done  by  Mr.  Honan ;  whoever  is  the  writer,  he  is  a  vile  and  wretchedly 
low-minded  creature.  The  Times  was  consistent  in  its  open  knavery — 
not  one  word  in  report  or  comment  upon  the  speech  or  the  evening. 
It  acted  well  upon  my  inflated  state  of  mind,  and  brought  it  down  again 
to  its  poor  level.  "Quite,  quite  down."  My  spirits  sunk.  I  look  at 
myself  and  think  that  many  think  me  in  a  state  of  glory !     Ah  me ! 

London,  July  20t/i. — Thought,  and  recited  during  the  greater  part 
of  the  morning  my  speech  for  the  dinner,  which  makes  me  very  nervous. 
Went  to  town  in  the  carriage  with  Catherine  and  Letitia — recurring 
constantly  to  the  important  subject  of  "the  speech,"  which  gave  me 
continued  uneasiness.  This  honour  is  a  business  of  much,  very  much 
solicitude  and,  like  most  honours,  carries  with  it  its  full  share  of 
trouble.  Catherine  and  Letitia  went  to  dine  with  Mrs.  Rolls ;  I 
remained,  read  over  my  speech,  with  an  occasional  sensation  of  appre- 
hension, approaching  to  despair,  of  my  ability  to  master  it ;  I  suffered 
very  much.  The  carriage  at  last  arrived,  and  I  drove,  with  the 
resolution  of  doing  my  best,  to  the  Freemason's  Tavern.  I  caught  a 
glimpse  of  a  horrible  picture  of  myself  in  King  Henry  V  at  the  corner 
of  the  street,  and  thought  it  looked  like  a  good  omen  :  on  passing  from 
my  carriage  through  the  crowd,  which  was  considerable  on  and  about 
the  steps,  they  cheered  me  lustily,  and  I  bowed  as  I  passed  through 
them.  In  the  reception-room,  I  found  Mr.  Pope,  Sir  M.  A.  Shee,^ 
Mr.  Milnes,^  who  was  introduced  to  me,  but  I  did  not  catch  his  name. 

*  Sir  Martin  Archer  Shee  (1769-1850);  President  of  the  Royal  Academy  nom  1830  to  1850. 

'  Richard  Monckton  Milnes  ( 1 809- 1 885 ) ;  the  well-known  litterateur  and  conversation- 
alist, at  that  time  Conservative  M.P.  for  Pontefract ;  he  afterwards  joined  the  Whigs,  and 
received  a  peerage  from  Lord  Palmerston,  when  he  became  Lord  Ploughton.  Plis  only  son 
is  the  Marquis  of  Crewe,  K.G.,  Secretary  of  State  for  India.  It  was  said  that  Lord 
Houghton  was  indebted  for  his  peerage  in  large  measure  to  the  circumstance  that  his  father 
(Robert  Pemberton  Milnes)  and  Lord  Palmerston  had  been  parliamentary  associates  early  in 
the  century,  when  both  were  regarded  as  young  Tories  of  high  promise.     On  the  strength 

15 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1889 

Others  came  in;  to  some  I  was  introduced,  others  1  knew.  Lover, 
Jerdan,  Captain  Tvndale,  two  foreign  noblemen,  Lord  Nugent,  Young, 
Dickens,  Robertson  (Westminster),  Scholefield  (]\LP.  Birmingham), 
General  Alexander,  O'Hanlon,  Byng,  Bulwer,  Lord  Conyngham.  The 
Duke  of  Sussex  at  last  arrived ;  I  was  introduced  to  him  ;  he  told  me 
that  he  had  "seen  a  cottage  that  I  had  lived  at,  near  Denbigh;  how 
beautiful  the  country  was !  "  etc.  We  went  into  the  room,  I  hanging 
back,  Lord  Conyngham  placing  me  forward,  and  chatting  with  me  as 
we  entered  :  the  room  was  very  full  (who  could  have  expected  such  an 
occurrence?).  The  Duke  was  well  applauded  as  he  passed;  and,  as  I 
followed  the  plaudits,  were  very  loud.  I  was  at  a  loss  what  to  do. 
What  were  my  feelings  it  is  difficult  to  recollect,  as  the  various  persons 
in  different  parts  of  the  room  stood  up  to  look  at  me.  I  felt  that  I 
was  the  object  of  the  regard  of  that  large  assembly,  and  that  all  that 
was  done  was  in  my  honour.  I  looked  uj)  at  the  gallery  on  the  left, 
where  Catherine  was,  and  the  tears  rushed  to  my  eyes  as  mine  met 
hers;  that  was  perhaps  the  sweetest  moment  of  the  night  to  me.  I 
sat  on  the  right  of  the  Duke  of  Sussex,  Lord  Nugent  on  my  right, 
Sheil,  Dickens,  Monckton  Milnes,  Fonblanque,  etc.,  on  the  left;  Lord 
Conyngham,  Sir  M.  A.  Shee,  Tennyson  D'Eyncourt,  Sir  E.  L.  Bulwer, 
Forster,  Bernal,  the  Hon.  W.  Cowper,  Savory,  Colonel  Fox,  Babbage, 
C.  BuUer,  Robertson,  and  many  others  in  front  of  us.  I  shook  hands 
with  Jonathan  Birch  as  I  passed  up  the  room — the  eternal  and  dis- 
agreeable one  finger  of  that  excellent  and  warm-hearted  man.  The 
Duke  talked  much  to  me,  more  than  I  wished  ;  but  a  full  glass  of  sherry 
seemed  to  steady  my  nerves  a  little,  though  I  looked  very  grave  and 
pale,  as  I  was  afterwards  told,  and  Bulwer  said  I  looked  like  a  ''  baffled 
tyrant."  C.  Buller  was  making  me  something  worse,  by  laughing  and 
observing  across  the  table,  that "  Macready  was  thinking  of  his  speech." 
The  music  was  beautifully  performed,  and  when,  after  tlie  Duke's 
panegyrical  proposal  of  my  health,  in  which  he  was  very  cordially 
greeted,  I  arose,  the  whole  room  stood  up,  shouting  and  waving 
their  handkerchiefs,  as  did  the  ladies  in  the  gallery.  I  never  witnessed 
such  a  scene,  such  wild  enthusiasm,  on  any  former  occasion.  It  was 
not  like  an  English  asembly.     When  they  had  resumed  their  seats  and 

of  a  single  speech  of  great  ability,  Pemberton  Milnes  at  the  age  of  twenty-five  was  oflFered 
by  Perceval,  then  Prime  Minister,  the  Chancellorship  of  the  Exchequer,  which,  on  his  refus- 
ing it,  was  offered  to  Palmerston,  also  only  twenty-five,  who,  with  equal  prudence,  followed 
Milnes's  example.  Milnes,  then  considered  rfae  abler  of  the  two,  sank  into  obscurity,  while 
Palmerston  crowned  a  long  series  of  political  successes  by  becoming  the  most  popular  Prime 
Minister  of  the  nineteenth  century. 

i6 


1889]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

silence  was  obtained,  I  spoke  nearly  verbatim  as  follows  :  '*  May  it 
please  Your  Royal  Highness,  my  Lords,  and  Gentlemen, — I  really 
know  not  how  to  reply  to  your  kindness,  to  the  too  indulgent,  too 
flattering  terms,  in  which  His  Royal  Highness  has  proposed  my  health, 
and  the  very  complimentary  manner  in  which  you  have  received  it. 
I  beg  to  thank  you  for  the  great  honour  you  have  done  me.  I  must  at 
the  same  time  regret  my  inability  to  do  justice  to  your  kindness,  or  my 
own  estimation  of  it.  In  any  labour  I  may  have  chosen  to  encounter, 
in  any  sacrifice  of  personal  ease  or  pleasure  my  late  undertaking  may 
have  cost  me,  I  could  never  calculate  on,  I  could  never  contemplate, 
such  a  recompense,  and  am  utterly  at  a  loss  to  satisfy  myself  with  any 
terms  of  acknowledgment.  I  must  therefore  request  His  Royal  High- 
ness, and  you,  Gentlemen,  to  supply,  in  the  indulgent  spirit  that  has 
made  me  your  guest  to-day  any  deficiency  in  my  expressions,  and  in 
the  same  spirit  to  believe  me  deeply  sensible  of  the  flattering  distinction 
conferred  on  me  by  your  invitation  and  by  the  obliging  condescension 
of  our  illustrious  Chairman.  Indeed  I  am  fully  conscious  how  much 
my  humble  services  are  overrated,  and,  in  reference  to  the  allusion  so 
kindly  made  by  His  Royal  Highness  of  any  further  requital,  must 
declare  that,  in  the  honours  already  conferred  on  me,  I  am  greatly 
overpaid.  My  office  has  been  a  simple  one ;  I  can  claim  credit  for  little 
more  than  devotion,  zeal,  and  intention ;  for  little  beyond  an  earnest 
faith  in  the  power  and  ultimate  triumph  of  truth,  and  in  its  elevating 
influence,  however  humble  the  sphere  of  its  exercise.  In  that  faith 
I  have  only  endeavoured  to  'piece  out  some  of  the  imperfections,' 
as  they  appeared  to  me,  of  our  theatrical  system.  It  had  struck  me, 
among  the  many  causes  adduced  for  the  drama's  decline,  that,  whilst 
every  other  branch  of  art  or  pursuit  of  science  was  in  a  course  of  rapid 
advance,  the  drama — except  in  regard  to  a  valuable  change  in  its  costume 
by  that  great  artist  whose  name  I  can  never  mention  without  admira- 
tion and  respect,  John  Kemble — the  drama  was  stationary,  its  stage 
arrangements  remained  traditional,  defended  from  innovation  in  each 
succeeding  age  by  the  name  and  authority  of  the  leading  actor  who 
had  gone  before.  This  is  so,  whether  we  recall  the  witches  of  Macbeth, 
the  Roman  Senate  and  people — the  Senatus  populusque  Romamis — 
the  Venetian  Councils,  Banquo's  Ghost,  or  the  moving  wood  of  Birnam, 
which,  if  presented,  should  at  least  explain  themselves.  All  were  little 
more  than  barbarous  burlesques  of  the  great  poet's  conceptions.  It 
had  long  been  my  ambition,  and  has  been  my  endeavour  to  '  reform 
this  indifferently,'  if  not  '  altogether,'  and  to  present  the  works  of  our 
VOL.  II.  c  17 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1839 

dramatic  poets,  and  chiefly  Sliakspeare's,  with  the  truth  of  illustration 
they  merit,  and  that  a  public,  possessing  a  dramatic  literature  like  ours, 
has  a  right  to  demand.  Some  exceptions  have  been  taken  to  the 
amount,  the  extent  of  decoration  lavished  on  our  plays ;  but  I  would 
beg,  with  deference,  to  inquire  the  particular  instance  (for  I  do  not 
know  it)  where  the  embellishment  has  exceeded  propriety  and  the 
demand  of  the  situation.  In  all  that  has  been  attempted,  the  object 
has  been  simply  truth.  What  my  own  imagination  has  presented  to 
me,  in  turning  over  the  pages  of  our  great  poet,  I  have  endeavoured  to 
make  palpable  to  the  senses  of  my  audience,  and  I  would  beg  distinctly 
to  repudiate  the  idea  that  has  been  entertained  by  some  persons,  that  it 
is  to  the  care  bestowed  on  our  wardrobe  and  scene-room  that  we  are 
alone  indebted  for  our  successes ;  the  plays  of  Shakspeare  have  been 
produced  of  late  years  in  the  same  theatre  with  far  more  lavish  expendi- 
tures, but  the  results  have  not  been  equally  fortunate.  Indeed,  the 
tragedies  of  Coriolanus  and  King  Lear,  so  far  from  being  overloaded 
with  ornament,  have,  in  their  recent  revivals,  been  actually  stripped 
of  the  '  barbaric  pearl  and  gold  '  with  which  they  were  before  invested, 
and  are  now  represented  in  the  rude  simplicity  of  their  respective 
periods.  Our  aim  has  been  fidelity  of  illustration.  The  *  delicate 
Ariel  '  is  now  no  longer  in  representation  a  thing  of  earth,  but  either 
'  a  wandering  voice  '  or  a  visible  spirit  of  air,  flitting  in  his  own  element 
amid  the  strange  and  sweet  noises  of  the  enchanted  island.  With  the 
restoration  of  the  text,  our  object  has  been  to  make  palpable  the 
meaning  of  Shakspeare,  and  to  this  is  to  be  attributed  mainly,  if  not 
entirely,  the  popularity  of  our  theatre.  In  following  out  an  observa- 
tion of  Sir  Thomas  Lawrence,  that  '  every  part  of  a  picture  required 
equal  care  and  pains,'  we  have  sought,  by  giving  purpose  and  passion 
to  the  various  figures  of  our  groups,  to  spread  over  the  entire  scene 
some  portion  of  that  energy  and  interest  which,  heretofore,  the  leading 
actor  exclusively  and  jealously  appropriated.  In  this  endeavour  to 
transfer  his  picture  from  the  poet's  mind  to  the  stage,  complete  in  its 
parts  and  harmoniously  arranged  as  to  figure,  scene,  and  action,  we 
have  the  satisfaction  of  recording  the  success  of  a  season  unequalled, 
I  believe,  by  any  not  having  the  attraction  of  a  new  performer,  for  the 
last  sixteen  years.  This  at  least  furnishes  a  proof  not  to  be  mistaken, 
that  there  is  no  lack  either  of  intelligence  or  taste  in  our  audiences 
to  appreciate  and  support  our  noble  drama,  if  properly  presented. 
My  hope  and  my  intention  was,  if  my  abilities  had  kept  pace  with 
them,  to  have  left  in  our  theatre  the  complete  series  of  Sliakspeare's 


1839]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

acting  plays,  his  text  purified  from  the  gross  interpolations  that  dis- 
figure it  and  distort  his  characters,  and  the  system  of  re-arrangement 
so  perfected  throughout  them  that  our  stage  would  have  presented 
as  it  ought,  one  of  the  best  illustrated  editions  of  the  poet's  works. 
But  '  my  poverty,  and  not  my  will,'  has  compelled  me  to  desist  from 
the  attempt.  Yet,  though  I  may  not  again  be  called  to  '  bear  my 
part,  or  show  the  glory  of  our  art,'  let  me  indulge  the  hope  that  the 
path  which  has  been  so  successfully  and  auspiciously  opened  under 
your  encouragement  may  be  steadily  and  perseveringly  pursued  by 
others ;  that  our  theatre  will  remain,  as  Shakspeare's  temple,  con- 
secrated to  its  loftiest  purposes,  dedicated  to  the  highest  intellectual 
amusements,  and  no  longer,  as  a  mere  place  of  demoralizing  and 
licentious  resort,  degrade  our  character  for  refinement  among  the  other 
European  nations.  I  would  beg  to  trespass  one  short  minute  further 
on  your  attention,  and  avail  myself  of  this  occasion  to  express  thus 
publicly  my  thanks  to  those  friends  whose  ardour  and  zeal  in  my  cause 
have  loaded  me  with  benefits  that  I  never  can  repay.  Amongst  them 
I  must  beg  to  particularize  Sir  Edward  Lytton  Bulwer,  who  wrote  his 
delightful  play  of  The  Lady  of  Lyons  expressly  to  serve  my  interests, 
and,  after  public  opinion  had  stamped  it  as  the  most  attractive  pro- 
duction of  many  years,  obstinately — I  must  use  the  word,  obstinately 
— refused  to  consider  it  in  any  other  light  than  as  a  gift  to  me.  To 
ray  esteemed  friends  Mr.  Stanfield,  Mr.  Dickens,  Serjeant  Talfourd, 
and  Mr.  Serle  I  am  also  proud  to  be  indebted,  and,  uniting  my  thanks 
to  them  with  those  I  owe  to  you,  I  beg  once  more  to  repeat  the  assur- 
ances of  my  lasting  gratitude  and  my  deep  sense  of  your  great  kindness, 
which,  whilst  I  can  remember,  I  never  can  forget."  ^ 

Elstree,  July  21st. — Dearest  Katy's  birthday.  God  bless  her ! 
.  .  .  Rose  very  late ;  could  only  talk — only  think  over  the  exciting 
circumstances  of  yesterday  and  last  night.  My  head  ached  much ; 
breakfasted,  and  glanced  at  the  paper.  Walked  in  the  garden  and 
entered  a  few  lines,  but  could  not  apply  to  business.  Went  to  after- 
noon church ;  overcome  by  fatigue  and  drowsiness.  In  the  garden 
afterwards.     Read  prayers  to  the  family. 

^  The  other  chief  toasts  of  the  evening  were  those  of  Lord  Conyngham  (then  Lord 
Chamberlain)  and  of  Charles  Young  ;  the  Memory  of  Shakspeare,  proposed  by  Milnes  ; 
Sir  E.  L.  Bulwer  ;  the  Senate  and  the  Bar,  proposed  by  Lord  Nugent,  coupled  with  the 
names  of  Talfourd  and  Shell,  and  to  which  Shell  responded.  Sir  Martin  Archer  Shee 
returned  thanks  for  the  Royal  Academy,  as  its  President ;  Dickens  proposed  the  health  of 
the  late  Company  of  Covent  Garden  theatre,  which  was  acknowledged  by  Mr.  Serle ;  and 
the  Hon.  W.  Cowper,  M.P.,  returned  thanks  for  the  stewards— (wip/«  /y  Sir  F.  Polloik). 
C  2  19 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1839 

London,  July  ^^nd. — Went  to  town  in  the  carriage  with  Forster, 
Catherine,  and  Letitia.  On  our  way  we  met  the  postman,  who  gave 
many  papers  to  Forster ;  the  greater  part  were  in  a  kind,  or  fair, 
spirit,  but  in  John  Bull  was  a  rabid  attack,  full  of  falsehoods  upon  me 
and  my  management,  and  my  conduct  to  the  actors.  Forster  was  at 
first  reluctant  to  let  me  see  it,  but  after  a  little  hesitation  he  gave  it 
to  me.  It  did  not  make  me  angry — the  falsehoods  were  so  palpable, 
the  malignity  and  the  purpose  so  apparent,  that  I  felt  myself  secure 
against  its  evil  effect.  Talked  with  Forster  on  the  steps  to  be  taken  to 
procure  a  contradiction  of  the  misstatements.  Having  finished  all  my 
business,  I  went  with  Catherine,  Letitia  and  Forster  to  dinner  at  Mrs. 
Rolls's.  Met  there  Dr.  ElHotson,  Mr.  Herving,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Williams,  our  bankers,  Etty,  etc. — an  agreeable  day.  Went  on  to 
Fonblanque's,  where  I  saw  C.  BuUer,  Lover,  Young,  Sheil,  Bulwer, 
Lord  Lansdowne,  who  was  civil,  but  who  is  too  aristocratic  in  his 
manners — too  economical  of  that  endearing  quality,  bonhomie,  for 
me  to  like  him  much.  Fonblanque  told  me  that  my  speech  at  the 
dinner  was  "beautiful."  I  was  happy  to  hear  him  say  so.  We  did 
not  remain  long,  but  reached  home  at  a  late  hour.  The  ride  in  the 
cool  night,  ruminating  on  the  past,  was  delightful. 

Elstree,  July  24<t/i. — Fox,  Miss  Fox  and  Mrs.  Adams  arrived  with 
Forster,  who  showed  me  Stanfield's  letter  and  the  newspaper  (Morning 
Chronicle)  contradicting  the  assertion  of  John  Bull  as  to  his  non- 
payment ;  amused  himself  with  letting  off  some  balloons.  Leigh  Hunt 
arrived,  and  after  dinner  he  read  an  act  of  his  tragedy.  I  saw  at 
once  that  it  w^ould  not  do,  and  showed  him  that  it  would  not.  He 
consented  to  leave  it  with  me,  to  receive  my  digested  opinion  upon  it 
with  any  recommendations  I  could  suggest  for  its  improvement. 

London,  July  27t/t. — Met  Collier,  and  had  some  conversation  with 
him,  telling  him  that  I  had  never  directly  or  indirectly  puffed,  but  in 
all  things  had  dealt  as  between  gentleman  and  gentleman.  Met 
Blanchard,  who  spoke  of  Forster's  unpopularity  and  meddling. 

July  29t/i. — Went  with  Catherine  in  the  carriage  to  Bulwer's.^ 
The  day  was  very  cold — and  began  soon  to  rain.  There  was  a  rowing 
match  on  the  river  upon  which  the  lawn  opens,  which  would  have 
been  very  interesting  if  the  rain,  which  began  to  fall  heavily  and 
continued  the  whole  day  in  torrents,  had  permitted  us  to  see  it.  We 
saw  only  two  heats,  the  last  Catherine  and  myself  from  underneath 
a  marquee.  The  grounds  are  very  beautifully  laid  out,  and,  though 
*  At  Fulham,  where  Bulwer  had  a  villa. 
20 


1839]  THE   DIARIES   OF  MACREADY 

fantastic,  it  is  a  very  nice  house.  There  were  Colonel  and  Mrs. 
^Vebster  and  their  two  sons ;  the  Colonel  Webster,  Lady  Holland's 
son,  who  wrote  the  silly  letter  about  his  mother's  faux  pas  ^ ;  Lady 
Jenkins,  between  whom  and  the  Colonel  was  a  most  determined  under- 
standing ;  Mrs.  Gurwood  and  her  daughter,  both  very  beautiful,  and 
an  old  gentleman,  a  Mr.  Boddington  ;  Colonel  Gurwood  and  Sir  R. 
Jenkins  joined  us  at  dinner  with  Dr.  Quin.  We  had  a  very  cheerful 
day.  Received  a  play  from  Dickens.  Bulwer  engaged  to  be  godfather 
to  dearest  Henry,  and  to  be  present  on  Wednesday  week. 

Elstree,  August  6th. — An  acknowledgment  of  his  box  from  my 
dear  friend.  Fox,  which  makes  me  weep  and  shrink  into  myself  when 
I  feel  how  imperfectly  he  knows  my  real  value,  and  how  much,  how 
very  much  above  my  real  work  he  estimates  me.  Would  to  God  I 
could  be  conscious  of  at  all  approaching  the  high  standard  to  which 
he  raises  my  supposed  deservings !  My  God,  strengthen  me  in  purpose 
and  in  power  to  enter  on  and  pursue  a  course  of  energetic  industry  and 
consistent  good.  Drove  out  to  Watford.  Mr.  Sheridan  Knowles 
and  Miss  Elphinstone  passed  by  the  carriage ;  I  was  astonished.  He 
saw  me,  but  as  he  passed,  would  not  see  us.  Forster  and  Catherine 
with  Joan  were  in  the  garden  grounds ;  when  they  returned  we  con- 
tinued our  drive  and  passed  Mr.  K and  Miss  E beyond  the 

turnpike.  He  was  instantly  ( ! )  reading  his  MS.  tablets  to  her. 
Forster  called  to  him  by  name,  but  he  only  read  the  harder !  Dickens 
and  Maclise  had  arrived  when  we  reached  home. 

August  7t/i. — Went  to  church  with  Dickens,  Forster,  Maclise — to 
meet  Catherine  and  her  party  with  darling  little  Henry,  who  was 
christened  by  Dr.  Morris.  Dickens  gave  him  a  silver  cup — as  his 
godfather.  He  is  one  to  be  proud  of.  After  the  children's  dinner 
went  to  the  reservoir,  where  Dickens,  Maclise  and  Forster  joined  us ; 
pulled  on  the  water  with  Dickens.  Welsh  came  to  the  bank  to  tell 
me  I  was  wanted ;  saw  Bulwer  and  Willie  as  I  went  up  the  field.  They 
returned  with  me,  and  Forster  landed  and  joined  us.  I  talked  much 
with  Bulwer  about  a  play.  Forster,  Bulwer,  and  myself  went  into  the 
field  and  shot  with  the  bow  for  some  time.  A  pleasant  day.  Dr.  Quin 
arrived  to  dinner.  Looked  over  Flaxman's  illustrations  of  Dante  and 
Homer. 

August  8th. — Talked  much  with  Bulwer  about  a  new  play.     He 

^  Lady  Holland,  n^e  Vassall,  married  first  Sir  Godfrey  Webster,  Bart.,  who  divorced 
her  on  account  of  her  relations  with  Lord  Holland,  whom  she  afterwards  married.  There  is 
an  interesting  account  of  her,  as  Lady  Webster,  in  Lady  Maria  Holroyd's  Journal. 

21 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1839 

made  Catherine  a  present  of  a  bracelet,  and  left  us.  Was  not  pleased 
with  Forster's  behaviour,  but  soon  reflected  myself  into  forgetfulness 
of  it.     Dickens  and  Maclise  left  us. 

August  9th. — Talked  after  dinner  with  Forster  about  the  opening 
play  of  the  Haymarket ;  read  some  scenes  in  The  Fatal  Do-wry,  which 
he  thought  excellent.     Early  to  bed. 

August  13th. — Sent  a  note  to  Mr.  Willmott,  who  soon  after  called 
with  Mr.  Webster,  and  we  made  every  effort  to  fix  upon  the  opening 
play.     Deciding  at  last  on  Othello  as  the  first. 

London,  August  19th. — Looked  out  my  clothes  at  my  lodgings; 
went  to  rehearsal  at  the  Haymarket.^  Acted  Othello,  in  part  well,  in 
part  languidly.  The  audience  did  not  seem  to  be  of  the  same  quality 
of  intellect  as  I  had  been  used  to  at  Covent  Garden.     But  let  us  hope. 

August  21sf. — Went  to  theatre  for  rehearsal.  I  sensibly  feel  the 
descent  from  Covent  Garden  into  this  dog-hole  of  a  theatre — dirt, 
slovenliness,  and  puffery  make  up  the  sum  of  its  character.  Found 
Browning  at  my  lodgings  on  my  return,  and  was  kept  by  him  long  ; 
but  he  left  me  where  he  found  me.  His  object,  if  he  exactly  knew  it, 
was  to  learn  from  me  whether,  if  he  wrote  a  really  good  play,  it  would 
have  a  secure  chance  of  acceptance.  I  told  him  certainly,  and  after 
much  vague  conversation,  he  left  me  to  read  and  rest  as  I  could. 
Acted  Claude  Melnotte  fairly,  but  I  can  scarcely  now  judge  of  myself ; 
the  audience  is  so  close  upon  me,  and  yet  I  cannot  feel  their  sympathy, 
if  they  have  any.     Was  called  for  and  well  received. 

Elstree,  August  ^5th. — Finished  DeerbrooJc  "  before  I  could  rise 
this  morning.  I  close  this  book  with  feelings  of  gratitude  and  venera- 
tion to  the  author,  for  I  have  been  much  benefited  by  the  confirmation 
of  good  aspiration  and  intention  that  has  existed  feebly  within  me. 
Rose  and  heard  the  dear  children  their  hymns,  and  afterwards  examined 
them  in  their  multiplication  and  the  French  verbs.  Arranged  my 
accounts,  etc.,  and  afterwards  read  in  OtlieUo. 

London,  August  26f/i. — Felt  very  unwell.  Went  to  the  theatre, 
anxious  to  do  my  best,  but  with  little  hope  of  doing  much.  Acted 
Othello  with  as  much  energy  as  I  could — and  in  some  instances  well ; 
but  the  audience  did  not  seem  to  sympathize  with  me ;  at  least  I  did 
not  feel  their  sympathy ;  was  called  for  and  well  received. 

Elstree,  August  STith. — Continued  Leigh  Hunt's  play,  of  which  I 
read  four  acts ;  they  are  hopeless  ;  he  cannot  write  a  dramatic  work. 

^  The  engagement  at  the  Haymarket,  now  commenced,  continued  to  the  end  of  the  year, 
and  up  to  January  15  of  the  following  year  (1840) — {note  by  Sir  F.  Pollock). 

*  By  Harriet  Martineau. 
22 


r 


LEIGH    HUNT 

From  a  drawing  hy  Daniel  Marlise,  R.A. 


n 


1839]  THE   DIARIES   OF  MACREADY 

London,  September  9,nd. — Read  lago — lying  down.  Acted  lago 
very  unsatisfactorily,  and  quite  lost  my  temper — an  inexcusable  fault. 
The  audience  applauded  Othello,  Mr.  Phelps,  who  got  through  the 
part  very  respectably,  but  seemed  not  to  understand  me.  They  called 
for  me  after  Mr.  Phelps,  but  I  was  undressed  and  did  not  go.  Fox, 
De  Fresne,  and  Edward  came  into  my  room.  Fox  was  annoyed  with 
the  audience,  and  De  Fresne  said  ^'11  faut  venir  a  Paris,  la  on  peut 
vous  apprecier." 

Elstree,  September  3rd. — Rose  rather  late,  not  comfortable  from 
my  failure  of  duty,  in  giving  way  to  passion,  and,  as  I  apprehend,  in 
avoiding  the  needful  labour  in  my  profession  yesterday.  Entered 
arrears  of  record  and  gave  some  attention  to  my  accounts.  Attended 
to  my  children's  lessons  in  arithmetic.  Read  over  with  attention 
Shylock  and  afterwards  Sir  Oswin  Mortland ;  feel  that  I  must  make  a 
rally  and  return  to  earnest  labour  in  my  art,  if  I  desire  to  maintain 
my  standing. 

London,  September  itth. — After  dinner  took  up  Mrs.  Inchbald's  ^ 
Nature  and  Art,  which  I  could  not  lay  down  again.  Read  the  news- 
paper, in  which  I  saw  the  tumultuous  reception  and  crowded  house 
to  Miss  E.  Tree — who  left  us  a  mediocre  actress,  and  having  been 
puffed  in  her  absence  returns  to  be  an  attraction,  reversing  the  case 
of  Madame  Vestris.  What  a  mass  of  sottish  stupidity  the  public, 
quasi  public,  is !  Acted  Claude  Melnotte  in  a  middling  manner ;  was 
called  for,  and  despite  resistance  was  obliged  to  go  forward.  Well 
received.  Mr.  Webster  is  playing  his  game  of  tradesman  with  me. 
Edward,  Browning  and  Brydone  came  into  my  room.  Webster  showed 
me  Bulwer  and  Forster's  letters.  Forster  is  very  unsafe.  Came  home 
with  Browning. 

September  5th. — Read  Browning's  play  on  Victor,  King  of  Sardinia 
— it  turned  out  to  be  a  great  mistalce.  I  called  Browning  into  my  room 
and  most  explicitly  told  him  so,  and  gave  him  my  reasons  for  coming 
to  such  a  conclusion. 

September  6th. — Bulwer  called  in  the  afternoon,  and  talked  a 
good  deal  about  his  projected  play.  Read  a  little  of  Shylock  in 
the  course  of  the  morning,  and  got  a  glimpse  or  two  of  light  upon 
it.  Acted  Claude  Melnotte  very  indifferently — worse  than,  I  think,  I 
have  ever  before  done.  I  was  not  well  prepared.  Forster  called  and 
spoke  of  Knowles's  play  as  good,  but  not  overwhelming.  Miss  Faucit 
was  very  unhappy  about  something.     It  was  Miss  E.  Tree's  position, 

^  Elizabeth  Inchbald  (1753-1821)  ;  the  well-known  authoress  and  actress. 

23 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1839 

I  do  not  doubt,  and  her  annoyance  was  aggravated  by  not  having 
Hester  in  To  Marry  to  act.  I  consoled  her  as  I  best  could  by  showing 
her  that  her  griefs  were  unreasonable  discontents. 

Elstree,  September  '7th. — Read  Shylock,  which  does  not  approach 
me  as  it  should.  I  know  how  it  should  be  done,  but  have  not  yet 
acquired  the  method — the  key-note  of  the  character. 

September  llth. — Letitia  mentioned  to-night  that  Forster  had  told 
them  that  Dickens  intended  to  dedicate  Nickleby  to  me.  I  was  sorry 
he  had  mentioned  it,  for  such  an  honour — as  great  a  one  as  a  man 
can  receive — should  not  be  divulged,  for  fear  of  accident. 

September  ^Oth. — Received  a  note  from  Forster,  which  induced 
me  to  write  one  to  him,  wishing  him  not  to  be  severe  on  Ellen  Tree. 
Forster  called  and  told  me  of  Browning's  intemperance  about  his 
play  which  he  read  to  Fox,  Forster,  etc.  He  showed  me  his  notice 
of  Ticelfth  Night,  in  which  he  has  over-praised  Miss  Tree. 

September  22nd. — Received  a  most  kind  letter  from  Dickens  with 
the  proof  sheet  of  the  dedication  of  Nickleby  to  me.  Surely  this  is 
something  to  gratify  me.  Looked  at  the  newspaper,  and  saw  an 
announcement  of  the  Haymarket  performances,  Avhich  irritated  me 
considerably,  but  upon  reflection  it  is  to  ourselves,  singly  almost,  that 
these  fine  shades  of  distinction  are  of  importance.  I  wonder  at  others, 
and  yet  suffer  myself  to  be  annoyed  by  the  very  weakness  I  reprove  ir 
them.  Let  me  keep  on  my  course — "  onward,  right  on  " — undisturbed 
by  these  pettinesses,  unworthy  of  me,  and  so  deserve  the  blessing  of 
God,  which  I  invoke  on  my  efforts.  Answered  Dickens's  letter,  thank- 
ing him,  as  well  as  I  could,  for  the  high  compliment  conferred 
on  me. 

London,  September  ^5th. — Read  Bulwer's  play,  which  I  did  not 
like  so  well  as  the  original  Norman.  Acted  Claude  Melnotte  tolerably 
well ;  was  called  for  and  well  received.  Miss  Faucit  wished  to  speak 
to  me  after  the  play  ;  she  was  very  open  in  her  disclosures.  Webster 
came  to  speak  to  me  about  Mrs.  Warner,  who  is  not  so. 

September  30th. — Rose  in  a  very  nervous  and  wandering  state 
of  mind ;  very  much  magnifying  to  myself  the  possibilities  attend- 
ant on  my  experiment  of  Shylock  this  evening,  and  suffering  under 
imaginations  and  apprehensions  that  appear  absurd  upon  the  occasion. 
The  unpleasant  position  of  this  character  is  that  its  success  would  not 
be  any  great  accession  to  my  reputation,  and  failure  must  do  some 
harm  in  any  undertaking.  My  mind,  however,  is  made  up  to  do  my 
best,  and  what  more  can  any  man  do?  Or  what  more  does  a  reasonable 
24. 


1839]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

and  conscientious  man  require  than  such  a  consciousness  to  place  his 
mind  at  ease?  Acted  Shylock,  and  tried  to  do  my  best;  but  how 
unavailing  is  all  reasoning  against  painful  facts — the  performance  was 
an  utter  failure.  I  felt  it,  and  suffered  very  much  for  it.  Browning 
came  into  my  room  and  said  all  that  sympathy  and  friendly  feeling 
could  suggest. 

Elstreey  October  1st. — My  spirits  had  very  much  rallied,  and  I  was 
much  more  reconciled  to  the  result  of  last  night,  I  suppose  because  I 
have  still  a  hope  that  the  papers  may  not  be  harsh  with  me ;  but  I  am 
"in  Heaven's  hand." 

London,  October  4f/i. — I  lay  down  on  the  bed  to  rest,  and  think 
over  Shylock.  I  was  very  nervous  again,  but  on  going  upon  the  stage 
I  regained  much  self-possession ;  identified  myself  more  with  the  scene, 
and  was  able  to  give  more  decision  and  clear  effect  to  what  I  said 
than  on  Monday  night.  I  acted  Shylock  in  many  instances  very 
fairly. 

Elstree,  October  5th. — My  whole  morning  was  occupied  in  endeav- 
ouring to  think  of  something  to  say  in  the  speech  for  which  I  am  engaged 
— to  propose  Dickens's  health.  I  went  to  town  with  Edward.  Dressed, 
went  with  Edward  to  the  Albion,  Aldersgate  Street,  where  we  met 
Dickens,  Maclise,  Forster,  Stanfield,  Sir  D.  Wilkie,  Cattermole,  Tom 
Hill,  Harley,  Jerdan,  Browne  ^  (artist).  Chapman  &  Hall,  the  pub- 
lishers— Bradbury  &  Evans,  etc.,  the  printers  of  NicHeby.  We  sat 
down  to  a  too  splendid  dinner — the  portrait  of  Dickens  by  Maclise  was 
in  the  room.  I  had  to  begin  what  the  Duke  of  Sussex  terms  "the 
business  "  of  the  day,  by  proposing  Dickens's  health.  I  spoke  of  him 
as  one  who  made  the  amelioration  of  his  fellow-men  the  object  of  all 
his  labours — and  whose  characteristic  was  philanthropy.  I  did  not  get 
through  well.  Dickens  was  not  so  good  as  he  usually  is.  He  stated 
that  the  Nickleby  had  been  to  him  a  diary  of  the  last  two  years  :  the 
various  papers  preserving  to  him  the  recollection  of  the  events  and 
feelings  connected  with  their  production.  The  response  of  Hall,  the 
publisher,  to  Dickens's  eulogium  on  them  was  very  sensible  and  genuine. 
I  was  quite  touched  with  it.  Sir  D.  Wilkie  spoke  of  Richardson  having 
produced  Clainssa  Harlowe  in  single  volumes,  and  of  persons,  ladies, 
having  written  to  him  to  beg  of  him  to  save  Lovelace — at  least  his 
soul.  I  replied  to  my  health,  that  the  declaration  of  Dickens  in  his 
dedication  was  a  tangible  manifestation  to  me  that  I  was  not  wholly 

^  Hablot    Knight    Browne   (1815-1882) ;    the    well-known     "Phiz,"    Dickens's    chief 
illustrator. 

25 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1839 

valueless,  and  that  the  friendship  of  such  a  man  increased  my  self- 
respect.     We  returned  home  very  late. 

London,  October  Ith. — Acted  Shylock  not  so  well  as  on  the  two 
previous  nights.  I  must  take  care.  Spoke  to  Miss  H.  Faucit, 
appointing  to  see  her  at  my  lodgings  on  AVednesday  to  give  her  some 
instructions  in  Portia. 

Elstree,  October  8th. — Walked  with  Edward  to  Edgware  to  meet 
Dickens,  who  was  waiting  for  us  with  Maclise,  Jerdan,  Forster. 
Forster  displayed  his  unfortunate  humour  at  dinner ;  first  very  indelic- 
ately objecting  to  my  participation  in  the  use  of  Bulwer's  assumed 
name  of  Calvert — suggested  by  myself  in  the  play  of  the  Lady  of  Lyons 
— and  then  behaving  very  grossly  on  a  question  which  arose  about  a 
bet,  in  which  I  was  deputed  one  of  the  arbiters.  The  harmony  of  our 
evening  was  quite  destroyed,  and  I  was  made  very  uncomfortable  by 
Forster 's  ill  humour,  and  rude  language. 

London,  October  9th. — Arriving,  waited  for  Miss  H.  Faucit,  to 
whom  I  gave  some  very  excellent  advice  upon  the  part  of  Portia,  and 
other  things,  for  which  she  was  very  much  obliged.  I  dismissed  her 
very  kindly  and  properly.  Webster  and  W^illmott  called,  and  I  read 
to  them  the  three  acts  of  Bulwer's  play.  Bubver  came  in  while  we 
were  thus  engaged,  and  was  gratified  in  hearing  that  the  acts  had  made 
so  favourable  an  impression.  He  left  with  me  the  other  two  acts, 
which  I  read  to  them.  They  approved,  and  I  observed  that  my  hands 
were  now  washed  of  the  business ;  if  W^ebster  chose  to  accept  it  he  had 
only  to  signify  as  much  to  Sir  Edward  Bulwer  and  arrange  all  the  rest 

with  him.     They  left  me.     A  letter  from  Mr. ,  pestering  me  with 

his  disgusting  play  of  Catiline,  wishing  me  to  give  it  with  a  note  from 
him  to  Mr.  Webster — which  I  did.  Bulwer  called,  and  I  went  over 
the  play  with  him,  he  taking  notes  of  alterations.  I  told  him  the 
half-quire  of  paper,  which  he  had  before  him,  was  that  which  he  had 
sent  me  by  mistake.  When  he  had  done  his  notes  he  went  on  talking, 
evidently  to  divert  my  attention,  as  he  folded  up  the  half-quire  and  put 
it  in  his  pocket !  How  very  whimsical !  When  at  the  theatre  I 
received  a  note  from  Forster,  apologizing  for  his  behaviour,  and 
requesting  me  to  forget  it.  I  answered  in  a  very  kind  and  cordial 
spirit. 

October  12t/?. — Spoke  to  Mrs.   Warner  about  her  very  ill-judged 

and   unseemly  conduct.     Miss  H.   Faucit  is  ill,   and  makes  me  quite 

uncomfortable  in  playing.     Jerdan  came  in.      Webster  spoke  to   me 

about  Mrs.  Warner.    I  advised  him  to  promise  her  to  give  her  in  every 

26 


f 


1839]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

respect  fair  play  with  every  other  actress,  as  to  announcement,  etc., 
but  to  do  no  more.  Came  home  to  our  newly-taken  house,  York  Gate, 
Regent's  Park. 

October  15th. — I  read  some  part  of  Bulwer's  play,  The  Sea  Cap- 
tain.^ Webster  called  ;  I  spoke  with  him  about  the  dresses  and  scenery, 
and  we  then  settled  the  terms  of  an  engagement  for  next  season  at 
£100  per  week,  play  or  no  play,  with  the  choice  of  a  month's  vacation 
on  my  part.  Devoted  the  whole  day,  without  intermission,  to  Bulwer's 
play.  Forster  came  to  dinner ;  afterwards  I  read  the  play,  which 
seemed  to  interest,  but  the  employment  of  the  pirates,  and  the  violence 
in  the  fifth  act  was  unanimously  disapproved.  Forster  took  the  book 
home  to  consider  it. 

October  Ylth. — On  my  return  found  a  letter  from  the  Lord 
Chamberlain,  in  reply  to  mine,  "  regretting  that  he  was  obliged  to 
refuse  my  request."  ^  I  expected  this,  and  it  only  adds  to  the  strength 
of  my  case,  whenever  I  wish  to  put  it  forward. 

October  ^Oth. — Bulwer  called,  as  I  was  beginning  to  read  his  play, 
and  talked  over  the  required  alterations  with  me.  What  he  had  done 
in  them  was  very  bad.  George  Bucknill  called,  and  I  asked  him  to 
dine.  Returned  to  the  new  play,  when  Forster  called  and  interrupted 
me — annoyed  me  with  a  paragraph  stating  that  I  was  performing  to 
bad  houses  at  the  Haymarket. 

Octobed  21st. — Bulwer  called  with  his  alterations ;  in  good  spirits, 
thinking  he  had  done  them  well,  in  which  opinion  I  agreed.  He  gave 
them  to  me ;  we  looked  over  the  play  together,  and  then  I  transmitted 
them  to  the  performers,  who  altered  their  parts.  Went  to  the  theatre, 
and  acted  Shylock  very  Avell,  except  the  first  scene,  which  was  not  so 
collected  and  fresh  as  the  remainder.  Head  informed  me  that  there 
was  a  report  of  Lord  Brougham's  death  in  Covent  Garden  theatre.^ 
Will  there  be  any  lamentation  upon  the  absence  of  this  highly-gifted 
but  ill-conditioned  man  ? 

October  22nd. — Read  in  the  paper  an  account  of  Lord  Brougham's 
death.     I  was  not  able  to  sympathize  with  the  expressions  of  respect 

^  The  play  so  mercilessly  parodied  by  Thackeray. 

"  For  a  personal  licence  to  perform  the  legitimate  drama. — {noie  by  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 
^  A  hoax,  said  to  have  been  inspired  by  Brougham  himself.  The  report  originated  in  a 
letter  received  by  the  late  Mr.  Alfred  Montgomery,  stated  to  have  been  written  by  a  guest  at 
Brougham  Hall  (a  Mr.  Shafto),  who  professed  to  have  been  an  eyewitness  to  a  carriage 
accident  in  which  Brougham  was  killed  on  the  spot.  Most  of  the  morning  papers  published 
memoirs  which  must  have  been  interesting  reading  to  the  supposed  victim.  The  Times 
however,  was  sceptical  as  to  the  occurrence. 

27 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1839 

and  regret  that  the  writer  in  the  paper  appended  to  his  narration.  He 
■was  a  man  who  betrayed  and  deserted  every  great  cause,  even  to  the 
last  and  greatest,  that  of  education,  that  he  advocated.  His  abilities, 
to  my  poor  thinking,  only  heaped  damnation  upon  such  apostasy.  I 
cannot  see  that  any  feeling  of  benevolence  is  due  to  his  particular  errors. 
For  sin  and  moral  degradation  a  truly  religious  and  philosophic  mind 
should  always  cherish  pity,  while  it  condemns,  and  in  the  abstract  Lord 
Brougham's  character  must  in  a  tenfold  degree  excite  our  regret;  but 
I  do  not  see  any  redeeming  traits  in  it  that  should  qualify  our  judg- 
ment.^ Rehearsed  the  new  play  of  The  Sea  Captain.  Bulwer  came  in 
to  ask  me  for  his  MS.  alterations.  A  letter  came  from  Lord  Fitz. 
Somerset  ^  to  Edward,  giving  him  the  liberty — after  twenty-six  years' 
creditable  service — of  purchasing  for  £1400  a  half-pay  majority,  and 
informing  him  in  the  same  letter  that  such  purchase  would  cut  off  his 
wife  and  children — if  he  had  any — from  all  title  to  pension  or  claim 
on  the  compassionate  fund  !  This  is  our  glorious  institution  of  this 
free  country.  One  lifts  one's  eyes  above,  and  asks  if  such  systems  of  the 
many  trampled  on  by  the  few  ought  to  exist.  Has  patriotism  any 
meaning — beyond  attachment  to  habits  and  conveniences?  I  am  sick 
of  the  whole  business. 

October  ^2rd. — Lord  Brougham's  death  is  contradicted. 

October  25th. — Was  informed  by  Lunn  that  Mr.  Hammond  had 
announced  me  in  the  Drury  Lane  playbills.  I  was  shocked  and  indig- 
nant at  appearing  thus  compromised  with  Mr.  Webster,  and  instantly 
wrote  down  to  Mr.  Hammond  to  protest  against  the  violation  of  good 
faith  in  the  measure.  Webster  came  in  and  expressed  his  conviction 
of  my  ignorance  of  Mr.  Hammond's  intentions.  Acted  Shylock  very 
fairly,  better,  I  think,  than  on  any  previous  occasion.  Head  came  with 
part  of  my  dress.  Returning  home,  found  a  parcel  with  a  note  from 
Dickens,  and  a  presentation  copy  of  NicHcby.  What  a  dear  fellow 
he  is ! 

October  9nth. — Forster  came  to  dinner,  and  brought  with  him  an 
Observer,  in  which  that  very  absurd,  mischievous  and  contemptible 
person.  Collier,  continues  his  false  assertions  respecting  me. 

1  Macready's  comment  on  Brougham  was,  on  the  whole,  merited.  With  great  abilities 
he  had  very  little  principle,  as  was  evidenced  by  his  conduct  when  negotiating  with  Queen 
Caroline,  and  to  his  colleagues  during  his  tenure  of  the  Great  Seal.  It  was  this  grave 
deficiency  that  was  responsible  for  his  political  ostracism  from  1834  till  his  death  in  1868. 
That  he  well  deserved  his  nickname  of  "  Wickedshifts  "  (confeiTed  by  his  own  party)  there 
can  be  no  question,  if  the  leading  diaries  and  memoirs  of  the  day  are  to  be  credited. 

*  Afterwards  the  first  Lord  Raglan,  Commander-in-Chief  in  the  Crimea. 
28 


1839]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

October  28t/i. — Attended  to  the  new  play.  Found  Bulwer  and 
Forster  at  the  theatre.  Rehearsed  the  new  play.  Bulwer  was  very 
doubtful  about  its  success,  Forster  and  Willmott  equally  confident. 
There  was  a  long  debate  upon  the  question  of  withdrawing  it,  to  which 
Bulwer  seemed  inclined.  I  could  not  give  any  opinion,  for  I  have  not 
had  time  to  form  one.  It  was  at  last  decided  to  trust  to  Caesar  and 
his  fortune.  Webster  came  into  my  room  and  told  me  that  the  pro- 
prietors of  Covent  Garden  theatre  had  let  it  to  Vestris  for  X5000 ! 
They  have  made  a  good  bargain. 

October  29th. — Rehearsed  with  much  care  four  acts  of  the  play.  I 
see  clearly  that  Mrs.  Warner  and  Strickland  are  both  far  below  their 
parts.  Bulwer  came  to  give  me  the  lines  for  the  third  act.  He  wished 
me  to  give  an  opinion.  I  really  could  not.  I  could  not  see  the  play's 
chances,  having  so  little  to  do  myself,  and  not  knowing — as  no  one  ever 
can,  without  action  or  rather  agency — the  value  of  what  I  have  to  say. 
I  would  speak  out  at  once  if  I  knew  which  course  to  take  for  his  interest 
— his  interest  is  mine  and  that  of  the  theatre.  Forster  might  have 
relieved  us  from  our  embarrassing  position.  He  left  it,  however,  to 
the  "fortune  of  Caesar  "!  Came  home,  reading  his  new  lines;  ate  as 
little  dinner  as  I  could,  that  I  might  return  to  work ;  wrote  out  and 
tried  to  master  the  new  lines ;  at  last  was  obliged  by  unconquerable 
drowsiness  to  lie  down  on  the  sofa  and  get  a  few  minutes'  sleep. 

October  QOth. — Walked  down  to  the  theatre.  Rehearsed  the  new 
play.  Bulwer  and  Blanchard  came  to  the  rehearsal.  Bulwer  became 
more  confident  as  the  rehearsal  proceeded,  and  seemed  at  ease  in  his 
mind  when  it  had  concluded.  I  am  not.  I  want  time  for  myself  and 
much  more  for  other  persons  and  things.  Answered  Dickens's  news, 
congratulating  him  on  the  birth  of  his  baby,  my  little  god-daughter. 
Gave  the  whole  evening,  to  a  late  hour,  to  the  consideration  of  the 
new  play. 

October  81st. — Went  in  great  anxiety,  and  uncomfortably  to  the 
theatre.  Rehearsed  the  new  play.  Blanchard  and  Mr.  Tyas  came  in. 
Returned  home  very,  very  uncomfortably.  My  mind  depressed,  and 
my  spirits  suffering  much  from  misgiving  and  apprehension.  Read  the 
play  over.  Went  to  the  theatre.  Acted  Norman  in  Bulwer's  new  play 
with  some  energy  and  occasional  inspiration.  Was  received  very 
warmly,  and  called  for  at  the  end,  greeted  with  much  enthusiasm.' 
Jerdan  came  into  my  room — Forster,  Webster,  who  thanked  me  very 

^  The  Sea  Captain  was  played  frequently  at  the  Haymarket  to  the  end  of  Macready's 
engagement  of  this  date. — [note  by  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 

29 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1839 

earnestly — Willmott,  Bulwer.  There  were  wreaths  thrown  upon  the 
stage.  I  am  most  thankful  to  God  for  what  I  feel  a  great  escape.  Sat 
up  late,  talking  over  the  occurrences  of  the  night. 

November  1st. — Very  much  fatigued  and  overcome ;  did  not  rise 
early.  Gave  the  children  their  lessons ;  looked  at  the  newspaper. 
Went  to  the  theatre,  and  waited  some  time  with  the  performers  for 
Bulwer's  arrival ;  we  proceeded  with  the  alterations,  and  continued 
them  upon  his  coming.  After  the  play  had  been  altered,  Bulwer  wished 
to  speak  with  me.  We  went  up  to  my  dressing-room,  where  Bulwer 
showed  me  in  the  Times  newspaper  a  letter  from  his  wife,  insinuating 
unw^orthy  conduct  on  his  part.  He  read  me  a  letter  he  had  written 
to  the  newspaper,  and  asked  my  counsel  upon  the  policy  of  sending  it. 
I  most  earnestly  dissuaded  him  from  any  step  of  the  kind,  explaining 
to  him  the  necessity  of  maintaining  the  dignified  posture,  which  his 
silence  gives  him,  and  of  disproving  by  his  life  the  calumnies  of  this 
bad  woman.  I  told  him  of  my  full  consciousness  of  the  difficulty  of 
following  the  advice  I  gave,  and  of  my  perfect  sympathy  with  his 
impatience  of  the  libellous  attacks  he  had  to  endure,  but  at  the  same 
time  asserted  my  strong  confidence  in  the  propriety  of  my  advice.  He 
thanked  me,  and  decided  on  abiding  by  my  opinion.  Webster  spoke 
to  me  about  the  papers,  complaining  of  the  Morning  Herald.  Schloss 
called,  and  I  spoke  to  him  about  altering  the  word  in  his  prospectus — 
that  I  had  condescended  to  sit  for  my  picture.  Went  to  the  theatre. 
Acted  Norman.  I  scarcely  know  how;  my  spirits  sink  in  thinking  of 
the  play ;  I  fear  it  has  not  substance  to  sustain  it.  I  have  nothing  to  do 
in  it,  as  I  have  always  said.  W^as  called  for  and  well  received.  Spoke 
to  Miss  Faucit  about  giving  up  her  part  and  dissuaded  her  from  it. 
Spoke  with  Willmott  and  Webster,  who  told  me  that  Mr.  Jerrold  had 
said,  if  he  had  been  a  baronet  his  play  would  have  been  accepted  at 
Covent  Garden !  I  gave  him  £50  for  his  bad  play,  whicli  I  did  not 
accept ! ! ! 

November  2nd. — Bulwer  came  into  my  room,  and  spoke  about 
further  curtailments  in  the  play ;  he  also  expressed  his  satisfaction  that 
he  had  not  published  his  answers  to  Lady  Bulwer. 

November  10th. — Looked  at  the  newspaper ;  had  been  excited  by 
the  complairit.s  of  my  family  against  Forster's  partisanship  (which  as 
far  as  Bulwer  is  concerned  is  "  not  fidelity  "),  and  was  obliged  to  reason 
with  myself  as  I  read  his  somewhat  exaggerated  praise  of  Knowles's 
play;  still,  there  is  much  to  praise  in  it,  and  I  doubt  not  there  seems 
to  him  more  than  to  me. 

30 


1839]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

November  11th. — I  looked  at  the  newspapers  and  wrote  to  Bulwer, 
giving  him  a  satisfactory  account — I  fear  too  soon  reported — of  the 
success  of  The  Sea  Captain.  Acted  Norman  indifferently ;  was  sorry 
to  see  the  house  not  so  good  as  I  could  have  wished.  I  tremble  for  this 
play.  Was  called  for  and  well  received.  Mr.  A.  Watts  sent  me  a 
United  Service  Gazette,  reflecting  on  Bulwer  and  lauding  Knowles — 
why,  I  do  not  know. 

November  18th. — Went  to  breakfast  with  Mrs.  Reid  to  meet  the 
Princess  Belgiojoso.  She  did  not  arrive  till  past  twelve  o'clock.  Dr. 
Roget  ^  called  in  afterwards.  I  passed  an  agreeable  morning  with  this 
charming  woman.  Called  on  Maclise  and  saw  a  splendid  beginning  of 
a  picture  on  the  subject  of  Macbeth  seeing  the  ghost  of  Banquo  at  the 
banquet.  It  appeared  to  me  a  sublime  conception.  Went  to  the 
theatre  and  acted  Norman  fairly.  Spoke  with  Miss  Faucit  about  con- 
tinuing in  the  part.  She  readily  yielded  to  my  representations.  Bulwer 
came  in  and  reported  a  fine  house  at  Covent  Garden  theatre.  Our 
house  was  indifferent,  and  I  fear  and  feel  that  we  are  sunk  beyond 
rising  in  this  play. 

November  20t/i. — Called  on  Mr.  T.  Landseer^  to  thank  him  for 
his  beautiful  engraving ;  he  was  very  much  pleased  with  my  visit ; 
showed  me  some  beautiful  engravings  and  some  beautiful  pictures  by 
Edwin  Landseer.  I  was  much  moved  by  the  pleasure  he  expressed  at 
seeing  me,  and  the  delight  he  testified  at  my  performances.  I  promised 
to  write  to  Miss  Martineau  about  an  ear-trumpet.^  Spoke  with  Miss 
Faucit  about  an  engagement  at  Drury  Lane,  to  which  she  assented 
thankfully.  Webster  and  Willmott  came  into  my  room,  and  reported 
that  there  was  an  excellent  house  at  Covent  Garden — tant  pis  pour 
nous  ! 

November  21st. — Went  to  theatre ;  acted  fairly.  Spoke  to  Miss 
Faucit  on  the  stage.  She  seemed  low-spirited  and  unwell.  On 
coming  off,  I  asked  her  what  was  the  matter.  She  said  she  had  been 
very  much  shaken  by  some  ill-natured  thing — that  she  did  not  like  to 
speak  of  it  then,  as  it  would  upset  her.  She  was  passing  my  room,  and 
I  said,  "You  had  better  come  in  and  sit  down."  She  did,  and  to  my 
request  explained  to  me  that  she  had  been  greatly  distressed  by  informa- 

^  Peter  Mark  Roget  (1779-1869) ;  nephew  of  Sir  Samuel  Romilly  ;  a  well-known  physician 
and  scientist.     His  Thesaunis  of  English  Words  and  Phrases  became  a  standard  work. 

-  Thomas  Landseer  (1795- 1880) ;  A.R.A. ;  elderbrother  of  Charles  and  Edwin  Landseer  ; 
an  eminent  engraver  ;  he  etched  and  engraved  Sir  E.  Landseer's  principal  pictures. 

*  Both  T.  Landseer  and  Miss  Martineau  were  extremely  deaf. 

31 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1889 

tion  that  Mesdames  Warner,  Ellen  Tree,  and  Lacy  had  been  talking 
in  a  very  malignant  manner  about  her  coming  into  my  room  to  speak 
with  me  after  the  play,  as  they  said,  "every  night" — Mrs.  Warner 
observing  it  was  a  great  pity,  it  being  the  talk  of  the  Haymarket  and 
Covent  Garden  theatres ;  Miss  E.  Tree  adding  her  charitable  compas- 
sion to  the  stock,  and  thinking  it  a  pity  that  some  one  did  not  speak 
to  Miss  Faucit ;  Mrs.  Lacy  in  a  similar  strain,  saying  also  that  there 
had  been  a  paragraph  in  the  Satirist  to  a  like  eilect.  I  told  her  not 
to  disturb  herself  about  the  matter ;  that  my  door  had  always  been 
opened  to  every  one  who  came ;  that  my  brother  had  come  in  without 
knocking ;  that  Messrs.  Webster  and  Willmott  were  informed  of  the 
subject  of  every  conversation  we  had  had,  and  that  on  no  one  occasion 
of  her  speaking  to  me  in  my  room  had  I  omitted  to  mention  it,  and  the 
matter  spoken  of  on  going  home  at  night.  I  told  her  not  to  distress 
herself,  painful  as  it  was,  for  that  I  was  quite  sure  Mrs.  Macready 
would  show  her  sense  of  it  by  making  a  party  on  purpose  to  invite  her. 
She  was  very  thankful.  This  occurred  in  two  conversations,  during 
and  after  the  play.  Webster  and  Willmott  came  in  and  spoke,  but  to 
little  purpose.  On  going  home  I  mentioned  all  that  had  occurred,  and 
my  wish  that  Catherine  should  invite  Miss  Faucit,  to  which  she  instantly 
assented. 

November  22nd. — Catherine  sent  a  note  with  a  card  of  invitation  to 
Miss  Faucit.  At  Mr.  Webster's  request,  spoke  with  Miss  Faucit  about 
playing  Lydia  Languish,  which  she  said  she  would  give  an  answer  to 
to-morrow.  Spoke  with  Willmott  and  Webster  about  Knowles,  who, 
it  seems,  said  to  Webster,  '*I  will  not  write  for  Macready." 

November  23rd. — Went  to  theatre.  Spoke  with  Webster  and 
Willmott.  I  took  the  opportunity  of  alluding  to  the  conversation  of 
last  night,  in  which  I  had  designated  Mr.  Knowles  as  a  blackguard, 
and  I  observed  that  it  was  under  strong  excitement  I  used  so  coarse  a 
term,  which,  however  bad  a  person  might  be,  was  only  applicable  to 
such  persons  as  Mr.  Bunn,  Mr.  ,  Captain  ,  etc.  ;  that  I  dis- 
tinctly and  unequivocally  unsaid  and  retracted  the  term,  as  unfit  to  use 
to  a  man  of  Mr.  K.'s  talent  and  standing,  and  that  I  thought  it  right 
to  say  so,  as  I  would  not  say  that  of  a  man  which  I  would  not  say  to 
him.  At  the  same  time  I  did  not  qualify  my  assertion  that  he  is  a  very 
ungrateful  man.  They  told  me — both — that  he  had  said  I  had  used 
him  ill.  Miss  Faucit  wished  to  speak  to  me  in  my  room,  but  I  told  her 
on  her  account  I  hud  thought  it  better  not ;  the  few  things  I  had  to  say 
I  said  to  her  behind  the  scenes. 
32 


1839]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

November  9,9th. — Forster  called,  and  spoke  in  terms  of  violent 
reprehension  of  Bulwer's  preface.  He  said  that  he  had  taken  Mr. 
Knowles  to  task  for  the  tone  in  which  he  spoke  of  me,  who,  after  some 
conversation,  proposed  to  the  assembled  party — Hunt,  Procter,  etc. — 
*'  my  health."  Forster,  after  much  circumlocution,  stated  directly  that 
Mr.  Knowles  could  say  nothing  in  any  degree  impugning  my  behaviour 
to  him,  to  the  latest  period  of  my  dealing  with  him,  without  subjecting 
himself  to  the  charge  of  gross  ingratitude.  Unluckily,  poor  Forster 
is  not  direct.  Elieu  I  Wrote  a  note  to  Warren  on  learning  that 
Lardner  had  sent  an  excuse  for  Sunday. 

November  QOth. — Forster  called,  and  only  further  confirmed  me  in 
the  persuasion  that  he  is  a  mere  hooter-on  of  any  successful  person ;  as 
readily  the  toady  of  such  a  wretched,  unprincipled  fellow  as  Mr.  Knowles 
as  the  staunch  friend  of  a  manly  and  gentlemanly  person.  He  is  a 
poor-talking,  low-minded  man.  "'Never  more  be  friend  of  mine." 
Keep  his  acquaintance  I  may,  but  I  strike  him  out  of  the  list — the  very 
little  list  of  friends.^  Rested ;  went  to  the  theatre  ;  found  an  invitation 
from  the  Fishmongers'  Society!  Acted  Norman  fairly.  O'Hanlon 
called ;  annoyed  me  very  much  by  saying,  par  parenthese,  that  I  had 
behaved  ill  in  the  affair  of  Mr.  Bunn.  Passion  and  revenge  are  always 
to  be  reprehended,  but  I  simply  took  that  vengeance  and  inflicted  that 
just  punishment  which  the  law  would  not. 

December  1st. — Dickens  and  T.  Landseer  called.  I  was  about  to 
write  to  Landseer,  as  I  told  him,  but  was  delighted  to  produce  the 
trumpet  to  him ;  gave  him  Miss  Marti neau's  letter  to  read ;  his  experi- 
ment of  the  trumpet  was  very  successful ;  he  heard  at  the  distance  of 
a  yard  from  the  speaker,  but  complained  of  the  vibration  of  the  instru- 
ment. He  was  much  obliged,  and  I  am  very  pleased.  Stanfield, 
Lovers,  Procters,  Rollses,  Mrs.  Reid,  Elliotson,  O'Hanlon,  Warren, 
Herring,  Misses  Faucit,  and  P.  Horton  came  to  dinner.  The  Loughs, 
T.  Cookes,  Lane,  Egbert  Webbe,  Z.  Troughton,  Quin,  Ainsworth, 
Edwin  Landseer,  Bennett,  Mrs.  Kitchener,  came  in  the  evening. 
The  day  was  cheerful,  the  music  very  good,  and  all  passed  off  very 
pleasantly. 

December  Gth. — Dickens  gave  me  a  play  to  read,  called  Glcncoc. 

December  1th. — Finished  the  play  of  Glencoe,  which  has  so  much  to 
praise  in  it.  This  night's  labour  paid  off  the  £600  advanced  by 
Webster. 

December  Sth. — Arranged  my  accounts,  and  found  myself  possessed 

^  In  spite  of  many  such  ebullitions,  the  friendship  continued  till  Macready's  death. 

VOL.  II.  D  3-^ 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1839 

of  £10,000,  a  small  realization  out  of  such  a  receipt  as  mine  has  been 
the  last  twenty  years.  But  I  have  lost  much,  given  away  much,  and,  I 
fear,  spent  much  ;  but  what  I  have  lost,  and  what  given,  would  leave 
me  with  all  my  spendings  a  rich  man.  Forster  came  in  the  evening, 
and  we  learnt  from  him  part  of  an  account  of  his  having  made  an  out- 
break at  the  Shakspeare  Club  last  night,  which  ended  in  the  breaking 
up  of  the  Club  !  An  additional  evidence  of  his  want  of  self-government, 
tact,  and  good  breeding.  His  own  relation  states  that  some  indecorous 
proceeding  on  the  part  of  three  or  four  persons  during  Mr.  Bell's 
speech  was  not  noticed  either  by  Bell  or  Dickens,  the  chairman  ;  upon 
his,  Forster's,  rising  to  make  a  speech,  he  made  a  "  slashing  "  attack 
on  these  persons.  After  his  speech,  three  or  four  rose  to  question  his 
right  to  rebuke  them,  avowing  their  v.illingness  to  submit  to  the  reproof 
of  the  chair,  but  disputing  Mr.  Forster's  right  to  take  such  a  duty  on 
himself.  Forster  says  he  disclaimed  anything  personal  ( !)  and  left  the 
room.  Dickens,  after  returning  thanks  for  his  health  being  drunk, 
requested  those  who  sympathized  with  him  to  leave  the  room.  Forster 
says  thirty  went  out ;  Miss  Flower  said  twenty.  It  is  evidently  a  bad 
business.     Came  home  and  went  to  bed,  reading  Carlyle's  Hevohition. 

December  19,th. — Thought  much  about  Miss  Faucit.  Let  me  hope 
that  I  may  yet  be  able  to  advance  her  in  her  profession,  and  to  see  her 
happy  and  respected.  Went  to  dine  with  Talfourd,  calling  on  Dickens, 
who  said  he  was  too  ill  to  accompany  me.  Dined.  Talfourd,  Forster, 
and  self.  After  dinner  the  conversation  turned  on  plays.  I  mentioned 
one  I  had  of  a  striking  character  upon  a  popular  subject ;  Talfourd 
asked  me  the  title.  I  told  him  Glencoe.  He  questioned  me  about  its 
possible  melodramatic  tendency.  I  told  him  that  the  treatment  avoided 
the  melodrama  of  the  stage ;  that  the  style  was  an  imitation  of  his' 
writing,  but  without  the  point  that  terminated  his  speeches ;  that  the 
story  was  well  managed  and  dramatic ;  and  that  I  intended  to  act  it. 
At  last,  to  my  utter  astonishment,  he  pulled  out  two  books  from  his 
pocket  and  said,  "'  Well,  I  will  no  longer  conceal  it — it  is  my  play;  " 
and  he  gave  each  of  us  a  copy  !  I  never  in  my  life  experienced  a  greater 
surprise.  This  play  liad  been  represented  to  me  as  Mr.  Collinson's. 
Forster  afifected  great  indignation,  and  really  stormed  ;  I  laughed,  loud 
and  long,  and  put  down  his  affected  feeling  ;  it  was  really  a  romance  to 
me.  Talfourd  told  us  that  he  had  written  this  to  preserve  his  recollec- 
tions of  Glencoe.  I  strongly  advised  him  to  take  one  of  two  courses, 
either  to  flood  the  town  with  the  edition,  published  anonymously,  and 
to  engage  the  suffrages  of  the  Press,  and  leave  it  to  be  acted  with  his 

34 


1839]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

name,  as  it  might  escape ;  or  to  preserve  it  a  profound  secret,  giving 
him  at  the  same  time  a  right  to  call  upon  me  if  he  heard  it  anywhere 
through  me.  Forster  showed  a  character  of  sycophancy — affected 
friendship  where  he  felt  it  not — bad  acting — super-enthusiastic.  We 
went  in  a  coach  to  Dickens,  whom  we  found  at  home,  and  Talfourd 
dismissed  the  coach,  expecting  to  "'be  kept  late."  Forster  and  self 
went  with  Dickens  into  another  room,  and  we  there  discussed  the 
business,  Forster  again  affecting  the  rigid  to  dance  on  the  high  ropes  ! 
Foolish  man  !  I  put  him  down  again,  and  spoke  coolly  to  Dickens, 
urging  him  strongly  to  go  with  Talfourd  to  Moxon,  and  impress  upon 
him  the  necessity  of  enforcing  him  to  silence.  I  invited  him  to  dinner 
on  Sunday,  and  Talfourd,  who  could  not  answer  for  the  power  to  "  get 
away."     Came  home. 

December  IQth. — Read  through  the  play  of  Glencoe,  which  I  trust 
is  destined  to  be  a  great  success,  but  my  opinion  of  its  poetical  merits 
is  still  unchanged  :  it  is  superior  to,  in  dramatic  construction,  and  very 
much  below  in  poetry,  the  play  of  Ion. 

December  15th. — Looked  over  my  accounts,  and  examined  wliat  had 
been  my  expenses  this  year.  I  found  upwards  of  j£400  for  theatre 
expenses,  and  £200  given  away  in  small  donations  to  poor  or  impor- 
tunate people.  The  Dickenses,  Forster,  and  Maclise  dined  with  us — 
not  a  pleasant  day.  Forster  made  it  especially  disagreeable  by  his  rude 
style  of  argument.  He  afterwards  detained  me,  and  very  nearly 
quarrelled  with  me,  giving  me  what  I  first  understood  a  message  from 
Talfourd,  wishing  me  to  act  either  Ion  or  the  Athenian  Captive.  I 
said  I  would  write  to  Talfourd  on  the  subject.  He  took  fire  at  this  and 
affected  to  be  annoyed — he  was  alarmed.  He  detained  me  in  a  very 
disagreeable  discussion,  which  ended  by  my  permission  to  Talfourd  to 
ask  Mr.  Webster,  if  he  chose,  to  act  Ion. 

December  18th. — Read  an  account  of  that  wretched  fellow  Bunn's 
examination  in  the  bankruptcy  court.  No  one  appeared  to  make  any 
complaint,  and  though  there  is  no  doubt  the  swindler  has  secreted  at 
least  £700,  to  say  nothing  of  goods,  yet  the  Commission  actually  dis- 
missed him  with  praise !  !  !  My  God  1  What  is  the  value  of  character 
or  fair  dealing  in  this  world?  A  letter  from  Miss  Martineau,  washing 
to  interest  me  about  a  play,  translated  from  the  German  by  a  son  of 
Godwin,  now  in  the  possession  of  Mrs.  Godwin,  for  the  purpose  of 
adding  to  the  means  of  supporting  her  in  her  aged  widowhood.  I 
directly  wrote  a  note  to  Mrs.  Godwin,  and  afterwards  answered  Miss 
Martineau. 

D  2  35 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1839 

December  20f/i. — A  note  from  Bulwer,  a  most  kind  one,  in- 
quiring of  me  if  I  had  any  wish  to  accept  the  place  of  Dramatic 
Censor ;  that  applications  were  being  made  for  the  office  in  the 
expectation  of  Charles  Kemble's  death,  and  that  he  had  heard  to- 
day that  they  would  give  the  preference  to  me.  A  note  from  Mrs. 
Godwin,  thanking  me,  etc.  Answered  Bulwer,  expressing  my  anxiety 
to  obtain  the  office  if  I  could  have  it  with  my  profession  for  four  years, 
or  even  for  one  year ;  thanking  him  very  cordially.     In  talking  with 

Miss I  learned  what  seemed  tantamount  to  an  assurance  that  she 

thought  partially  of  me.  If  it  be  so,  how  are  persons  in  our  profession 
to  guide  themselves  ?  Is  it  surprising  that  a  person  regarding  one 
elevated  in  their  own  course  of  life  should  magnify  all  his  merits  and 
see  him  through  a  false  medium?  We  have  much  to  resist,  if  we  can 
resist  it. 

December  21st. — Received  a  note  from  Bulwer,  urging  me  to  write 
directly  to  Lord  Uxbridge  and  ask  for  the  appointment  of  Deputy 
Licenser,  expressing  his  delight  at  the  opportunity  of  serving  me,  and 
recommending  me  to  state  to  Lord  Uxbridge  my  readiness  to  leave  the 
stage  if  that  were  made  the  condition  of  my  nomination.  Consulted, 
after  writing  a  letter,  with  Catherine,  Edward,  and  Letitia,  who  tliought 
it  fitting,  but  objected  to  the  proffer  of  the  resignation  of  the  stage ; 
I  agreed  with  them,  and  erased  the  passage  containing  the  offer.  Wrote 
it  out  and  sent  it  to  Lord  Uxbridge ;  copied  it,  and  sent  it  with  a  note 
to  Bulwer.  But  what  a  contrast  does  Bulwer  offer  to  my  other  friends ! 
How  kind  !  how  grateful  in  act !  how  thoroughly  a  gentleman  ! 

December  22nd. — Bulwer  called  and  recommended  me  to  write  and 
ask  the  interest  of  Lord  Normanby  with  Uxbridge,  which  shows  me 
my  chance  is  very  bad ;  natheless,  I  will  do  my  utmost. 

December  SSrd. — I  wrote  a  letter  to  Lord  Normanby,  asking  his 
interest  with  the  Chamberlain  for  the  office  of  Licenser,  and  enclosed 
with  it  a  copy  of  my  letter  to  the  Lord  Chamberlain.  Received  a 
perfumed  rose  with  a  note  requesting  me  to  wear  it  to-night.  Miss 
Faucit  wished  to  speak  to  me  about  the  Drury  Lane  engagement.  Mr. 
Copeland  came  and  had  a  long  interview  with  her  first,  then  he  came 
down  to  me,  and  stayed  some  time,  wishing  me  to  combat  a  clause  on 
which  Miss  Faucit  insisted,  viz.  the  insertion  of  her  name  in  large 
letters  in  the  bills  !  I  spoke  to  him  about  Phelps,  of  wliom  Willmott 
liad  told  me  as  l)eiiig  at  liberty  ;  he  was  rejoiced  to  catch  at  him,  Warde 
being  too  embarrassed  to  depend  on.  When  he  was  gone,  Miss  Faucit 
came,  and  I  had  a  long  conference  with  her.     I  could  make  little  impres- 

36 


^ 


1839]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

sion  with  regard  to  the  large  letters,  though  I  urged  strongly  the 
absurdity  of  it. 

December  24i/i. — A  card  from  Mr.  Martin,  who  had  called  with  a 
'*  private  message  from  Lord  Uxbridge,"  and  wished  me  to  call  on  him. 
I  set  off  to  St.  James's  and  found  him.  His  errand  was  to  express  to 
me,  in  honied  phrase,  that  Lord  Uxbridge  had  given  to  Mr.  J.  Kemble  ^ 
the  appointment  of  Deputy  Licenser.  I  heard  the  news  as  indifferently 
as  I  could  endeavour  to  seem  to  do,  and  after  some  conversation  left 
him.  He  said,  among  other  things,  that  Lord  Uxbridge  desired  him 
to  say,  "1/  there  was  anything  else  that  I  could  point  out  which  he 
could  serve  me  in,  he  should  he  happy,^^  etc.  Knowing  well  that  there 
was  nothing — he  refused  me  a  licence — and  admitting,  as  he  did,  through 
Mr.  Martin  that  no  one  could  be  better  qualified  for  the  office,  or  have 
better  pretension  or  title  to  ask  for  it,  he  has  given  it  to  a  person 
without  the  slightest  grounds  for  expecting  notice  or  recompense  from 
a  Government.  My  heart  turned  very  sick  within  me  as  my  steps  bent 
homeward.  We  all  indulge  in  hope  that,  spite  of  our  efforts,  grows 
into  expectation,  and  I  had  resolved  on  leaving  the  stage  at  once,  and 
quitting  scenes  where  my  mind  is  in  a  whirl  of  passion,  intrigue,  and 
tumult,  where  temptations  to  error  are  constantly  before  me  and  pro- 
vocations beset  me  on  every  side.  I  had  hoped  to  retire  from  this  to 
the  serenity  of  a  country  life,  to  a  slender  establishment  and  the  society 
of  my  children.  I  have  now  no  hope  of  any  assistance  in  life,  but  must 
finish  it  and  play  out  the  game  myself.     God  assist  me.     Amen. 

December  ^6th. — Gave  the  entire  morning  to  Miss  F ,^  entering 

into  the  subject,  generally  and  in  detail,  of  the  study  of  the  art  of 
acting,  cautioning  her  not  to  entertain  the  subject  unless  resolved  to 
give  herself  up  to  it.  Told  her  of  all  the  faults  I  could  recollect  in 
her  style,  and  showed  her  how  to  remove  them.  She  was  most  grateful, 
and  seemed  sensible  that  what  I  said  was  true.  I  was  very  glad  indeed 
to  have  her  here.  Catherine  received  her  very  kindly,  and  saw  her 
two  or  three  times. 

December  ^Sth. — Spoke  to  Miss  Faucit  for  two  or  three  minutes 
about  the  effect  of  her  subdued  acting,  and  explained  to  her  how  much 
might  be  done.     Recommended  her  to  ask  Dr.  Babington  ^  if  change 

*  John  Mitchell  Kemble,  of  Trinity  College,  Cambridge,  the  distinguished  Anglo-Saxon 
scholar,  son  of  Charles  Kemble,  who  had  been  for  some  time  in  the  actual  performance  of 
the  duties  of  the  office — {>io/e  by  Sir  F.  Pollock). 

*  Miss  Faucit. 

^  Benjamin  Guy  Babington  (1794-1866)  ;  an  eminent  physician  of  the  day,  also  an 
accomplished  linguist. 

37 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1839 

of  climate    was   not    necessary    for    her,    and,    if   so,    to    avail  herself 
of  it. 

December  SOth. — AVent  to  the  theatre.  Miss  Faucit  sent  me  a 
note  enclosing?  a  certificate  from  Dr.  Babington,  stating  her  inabilit}^ 
to  continue  her  professional  exertions  ;  it  threw  me  quite  into  low  spirits. 
I  rallied,  and  played  Othello  very  fairly.  Was  called  for,  and  well 
received.  Spoke  after  the  play  to  poor  dear  Miss  Faucit,  who  was  in 
very  low  spirits.  I  urged  her  strongly  not  to  go  to  Hastings,  but,  if 
not  abroad,  at  least  to  go  to  Devonshire.  Mr.  Copeland  came  in  and 
I  told  him  the  news ;  read  him  the  certificate — we  were  all  in  despair. 


1840 

London,  January  1st. — Willmott  informed  me  as  we  went  to  Drury 

Lane  that  the  women  in  the  dressing-rooms  had  been  saying  that  

left  the  theatre  from  "being  in  the  family  way."  It  is  monstrous  and 
terrible  to  live  and  carry  on  one's  daily  occupations  among  such  a  set 

of s  and  bl — g — ds  as  this  profession  (!)  is  composed  of !     Scarcely 

one  among  them  that  would  not  think  it  a  gain  to  obtain  a  profitable 
paramour,  and  all  ready  to  fabricate  the  grossest  and  most  unfounded 
calumnies  to  justify  their  own  profligacy. 

January  2nd. — Gave  the  children  their  lessons  in  arithmetic,  and 
looked  at  the  paper  when  I  came  down,  which  was  filled  with  the  trial 
of  the  prisoners  at  Monmouth,  Frost  being  the  first.  What  can  we 
learn  from  our  experience,  but  that  nothing  can  be  known  ?  Is  it  not 
to  be  supposed  that  this  Frost  ^  believed  himself  right  ?  Are  those, 
who  are  pampered  by  the  laws,  which  the  profligate  and  purse-proud 
have  made,  fit  judges  of  the  sufferings  or  patience  of  the  poor,  who 
are  starving  b}'  them  ?  Are  the  Attorney-General  and  his  fellow 
prosecutors  quite  innocent  in  stretching  their  little  wits,  to  put  these 
men  to  death  ?  Are  the  defending  counsel  justified  in  seeking  to  pro- 
cure them  exemption  from  punishment  by  legal  quibbles?  What  a 
shuffling  miserable  scene  it  is  of  chicanery  and  grave  pettifogging  among 
these  torturers  of  phrase  and  word — the  lives  of  several,  and  the 
anguish  or  relief  of  man}'  more,  depending  on  the  success  of  a  quibble 
or  a  declamation. 

January  5th. — Heard  the  children  their  hymns,  and  arranged  my 

^  A  Chartist  leader  and  ex-magistrate  for  the  borough  of  Monmouth.  He  had  been 
removed  from  the  magistracy  early  in  the  previous  year  in  consequence  of  his  revolutionary 
utterances.  In  the  following  November  he  was  the  ringleader  of  an  immense  body  of 
rioters  at  Newport,  which  led  to  serious  disturbances  and  loss  of  life,  necessitating  the 
intervention  of  the  soldiery.  On  the  suppression  of  the  riots  Frost  \\as  arrested  and,  with 
others,  was  tried  for  high  treason  on  December  31.  Three  of  the  prisoners,  among 
them  Frost,  were  on  conviction  sentenced  to  death  ;  but  a  majority  of  the  judges  having 
reported  to  the  Home  Secretary  that,  in  their  opinion,  there  had  been  a  defective  delivery 
of  the  list  of  witnesses  at  the  trial,  the  death  sentence  was  commuted  to  one  of  transportation 
for  life.     Frost,  some  years  afterwards,  was  pardoned. 

39 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

accounts.  In  thinking  over  and  speaking  of  my  expenses,  I  came  to 
the  conclusion  that  it  was  absolutely  indispensable  that  I  should  give 
up  Elstree  and  take  a  house  in  town.  The  T.  Twisses,  Browning,  and 
Miss  Faucit  came  to  dinner.  We  passed  a  cheerful  day.  I  gave  Miss 
Faucit  de  Stael's  Germany,  and  Schlegel's  Dramatic  Literature.  I 
asked  her,  as  I  took  her  to  her  carriage,  if  I  should  not  see  her  again. 
She  said  no — she  thought  not.  I  felt  very  low  at  parting  with  her, 
and  did  not  knoAv  before  how  deep  and  tender  an  interest  I  felt  for 
her.  I  do  entertain  a  most  sincere  and  affectionate  regard  for  her. 
God  bless  her !  dear  girl !  I  go  to  bed  in  very  low  spirits — I  feel  great 
apprehension  for  her.     God  bless  and  assist  her  !     Amen ! 

January  9th. — Wrote  out  after  tea  the  memoranda  of  rules  and 
hints  on  acting  for  Miss  Faucit,  read  them  to  Catherine,  and  enclosed 
them  with  a  note  to  Miss  Faucit,  but  before  the  servant  had  taken  it 
a  note  arrived  from  her,  not  wishing  to  receive  it  until  she  reached 
Hastings,  where  she  is  going.  From  my  inmost  heart  I  pray  to  God 
that  she  may  derive  benefit  from  it. 

January  l^th. — Read  Mr.  's  trash — which  I  still  believe  to  be 

more  malignant  than  silly — he  mentions  my  name  with  Miss  Faucit  in 
a  way  that  I  think  is  intended  to  convey  gross  insinuations.  I  care 
more  for  her  sake,  if  such  innuendoes  should  reach  her,  than  for 
anything  else — these  are  your  gentlemen  of  the  Press! 

January  ISth. — Gave  the  cliildren  their  lessons ;  cast  a  glimpse 
over  the  paper,  and  walked  down  to  Drury  Lane  ^ ;  the  exercise  is  quite 
renovating  to  me.  Rehearsed  Macbeth,  from  which  several  of  the 
performers  were  absent.  My  mind  had  been  made  very  uneasy  by  the 
innuendoes  of  yesterday's  paper,  and  my  deep  concern  for  my  poor 
young  friend,  in  whom  I  feel  so  very  strong  an  interest.  The  thought 
that  the  success  of  the  debutant  at  Covent  Garden  this  evening  might 
prostrate  my  future  attempts  did  not  add  to  my  serenity ;  but  I  grew 
placid  from  the  exercise  of  the  morning  and  feeling  my  power  at 
rehearsal.  I  was  struck  T\ith  the  contrast  of  my  situation  at  the  pre- 
sent moment  with  what  it  was  at  Drury  Lane  when  I  last  left  it — 
driven  out  by  the  repeated  insults  and  outrages  of  that  wretched 
creature  Bunn,  and  quelling  my  nature  to  the  utmost  task  of  endur- 
ance, I  return  to  a  splendid  salary  and  with  homage  universally 
rendered  to  me  from  the  people  around  me.  I  am  deeply  grateful,  and 
I  pray  God's  blessing  on  my  endeavours,  and  that  avoiding  all  tempta- 

^  Macready  was  now  engaged  there  as  leadinc;  tragedian  under  the  management  of  a 
Mr.   Hammond. 
40 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

tion  to  evil,  I  may  use  the  advantages  of  my  position  for  the  benefit 
of  my  blessed  children. 

January  14t/i. — Gave  the  children  their  lessons  in  arithmetic. 
Looked  at  the  paper,  and  perceived  that  no  impression  was  made  by 
the  debutant  in  Hamlet  last  night.  It  seems  envious  and  ungenerous 
to  watch  thus  circumstances  out  of  one's  individual  concerns ;  but 
unhappily  for  me  my  destiny  is  very  much  influenced  by  that  of  others. 
If  a  very  successful  appearance  were  to  carry  with  it  the  fashion  of 
the  town,  my  value,  from  its  present  estimate  of  £100  per  week,  which 
is  offered  me,  would  sink  down  to  £30  or  something  of  that  sort,  and 
all  my  hopes  of  independence  and  retirement,  still  more  the  pros- 
pects of  my  blessed  children's  education,  would  be  painfully  jeopardized. 
I  hang  on  a  thread — or  rather  there  is  Damocles'  sword  over  my 
fortunes  perpetually.  It  is  sad,  but  I  cannot  help  it,  although  I 
strive  to  think  as  little  of  it  as  possible.  I  thank  God  for  my  present 
benefits. 

January  15th. — Webster  came  into  my  room  with  Willmott ; 
thanked  me  for  the  service  I  had  rendered  him  ;  he  told  me  that  Mr. 
Knowles  had  exultingly  said  to  him  that  the  success  of  Mr.  Moore 
(Hamlet)    would    put    down    the    pretension    of   the    actors    (meaning 

myself)  and  that  he  (W )  would  not  have  to  give  £100  per  week  to 

his  tragedians  again ! 

January  18th. — Glanced  at  the  newspaper — sickened  with  politics 
and  the  whole  system  of  shams  that  politicians  and  newspaper  writers 
endeavour  to  support.  Oh,  for  one  strong  word  of  truth  to  smash  it 
all!  Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre;  began  to  rehearse  Macbeth; 
thought  Mr.  Archer  drunk  from  his  rude  and  insolent  manner ;  in 
the  banquet  scene  he  became  so  wantonly  rude  that  at  length  I  took 
up  my  umbrella  and  left  the  stage.  Mr.  Copeland  wished  to  speak  to 
me — I  very  readily  assented,  but  he  could  not  find  the  key  of  Mr. 
Hammond's  room.  I  left  him  and  the  stage  at  the  beginning  of  the 
banquet-scene.  Came  home ;  dined.  Lunn  called  to  tell  me  that 
Mr.  Archer  was  discharged;  Mr.  Lee  put  into  his  part  in  Macbeth, 
King  into  that  of  Chalmers.  Willmott  wished  me  to  write  a  line.  I 
wrote  to  Hammond  and  Willmott,  to  say  that  it  was  not  my  wish 
Mr.  Archer  should  be  discharged,  that  I  should  discharge  my  obliga- 
tions with  whatever  performers,  claiming  the  right  of  absenting  myself 
from  disagreeable  rehearsals.  Went  with  Catherine  to  look  at  a  house 
— Clarence  Terrace — which  I  liked.  At  a  quarter-past  eleven  Willmott 
called  to  tell  me  that  Mr.  Elton  would  not  act  Banquo,  and  that  the 

41 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

Licenser  had  cut  out  some  most  important  passages  in  the  play  of  Mary 
Stuart,^  passages  that  destroy  its  power  and  interest!  I  was  very 
angry.  What  must  I  now  do?  I'he  bread  of  hundreds  jeopardized, 
my  own  interests  ruined,  and  the  long  cherished  hopes  and  labours  of 
a  man  of  genius  crushed  !  I  advised  Hammond,  through  Willmott,  to 
shut  the  theatre  and  advertise  it  as  by  the  interference  of  the  Chamber- 
lain with  the  play.  I  am  very  angry,  but  I  think,  at  present,  that  this 
is  the  best  advice.  I  must,  however,  keep  the  fact  before  me  that 
though  I  am  made  very  important  among  the  persons  with  whom  my 
business  lies,  I  am  very  insignificant  in  the  sight  of  men,  who  have 
power.  I  should  therefore  act  with  deliberation — or  rather  counsel  so. 
In  node  consilium. 

January  19th. — Much  excited  and  irritated  by  this  matter  of  the 
Licenser ;  but  after  some  nervous  misgivings  upon  the  effect  on  my 
estimation  and  my  income  which  the  failure  of  this  Drury  Lane  engage- 
ment might  occasion,  and  some  doubts  as  to  the  prudence  of  entering 
on  a  new  house,  I  subsided  into  the  calm  resolution  to  let  things  pass, 
and  make  the  best  of  them — in  fact,  I  went  to  the  sum  total  of  good 
and  ill,  and  put  aside  the  vexatious  question  of  items.  I  considered 
the  good  I  possessed  in  my  beloved  family,  and  the  means,  though 
small,  of  preserving  them  and  myself  from  destitution.  I  determined 
to  do  my  utmost  for  success  as  far  as  I  was  individually  concerned,  and 
to  leave  results  to  higher  powers.  It  is  certain  that  this  interference 
with  the  play  has  been  either  the  act  of  an  unwise  man,  or  a  dishonest 
one,  for  the  sake  of  the  interests  of  Covent  Garden  theatre.  It  looks 
very  ugly,  but  my  province  is  endurance,  and  to  "do  nothing,"  or  say 
nothing,  "from  strife.^' 

January  Wth. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Acted  Macbeth 
tolerably  fairly,  was  called  for,  and  well  received.  W^as  very  grateful 
to  see  so  excellent  a  house.  How  different  my  return  to  this  theatre 
to  my  departure  from  it !     How  grateful  I  ought  to  be ! 

January  9.1st. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre;  rehearsed  very 
particularly  the  play  of  Mary  Stuart.  A  letter  from  Mr.  John  Kemble, 
the  Licenser,  came  with  the  command  of  the  Lord  Chamlierlain  to  omit 
certain  other  passages,  which  had  not  been  erased  in  the  copy  which 
Mr.  Hammond  had  returned  to  his  office. 

January  99nd. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre  with  hopes  and 
prayers  in  my  heart  for  the  successful  result  of  the  undertaking  I  had 
in  hand.     Rehearsed  the  play  of  Mary  Stuart.     Returned  home  and 

'  By  James  Haynes. 
42 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

assisted  Willie  in  his  exercise — instead  of  attending  to  my  o-wn  business, 
and  reading  my  part.  I  did  it  most  reluctantly,  but  could  not  bear  to 
leave  him  to  his  own  appreliensions.  Rested  for  about  hali'-an-hour. 
Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre,  and  acted  Ruthven ;  was  nervous,  and, 
to  my  own  surprise — in  fact,  I  cannot  now  understand  the  cause — I 
lost  the  words  in  my  great  effect  of  the  fourth  act.  I  came  off  the 
stage  in  a  state  of  desperate  fury,  rushed  to  my  book,  and,  when  I 
looked  at  the  words  in  which  I  had  been  perfect  six  weeks  ago,  I  saw 
that  if  my  life  depended  on  it  I  could  not  have  spoken  them — they  had 
gone  out  of  my  head !  Was  called  on  after  the  play,  and  very  well 
received.^ 

January  23rd. — Saw  the  newspapers,  which  were  tolerably  favour- 
able in  their  report  of  last  night's  play.  Mr.  Jerrold,  the  writer  in 
the  Herald,  wrote  a  long  tirade  of  false  accusation  against  me — to  the 
effect  that  I  had  made  Mr.  Haynes  cut  and  alter  and  spoil  his  play  to 
elevate  my  own  character  of  Ruthven !  John  Twiss  called.  Went  to 
dine  with  Dickens.  Met  Rogers,"  Cattermoles,  Maclise,  Forster. 
Was  much  pleased  in  meeting  Rogers,  who  was  very  amusing  in  his 
anecdotes  and  humorous  manner ;  he  expressed  a  hope  to  see  me  at  his 
house. 

January  28t/i. — Was  very  much  pleased  to  learn  that  the  House 
of  Commons  had  reduced  Prince  Albert's  grant  to  £30,000.^  Found 
Forster  at  home,  who  dined  with  us.  The  conversation,  in  turning  on 
the  twaddle  of  the  Observer ,  led  us  to  speak  of  the  reflection  upon 
Miss  Faucit — of  which  Forster  had  also  heard,  and  our  conversation 
turned  very  much  upon  it.  As  I  told  him,  the  ill-treatment  which  this 
poor  girl  has  received  only  binds  me  more  strongly  to  her.  I  will  not 
desert  her. 

January  ^9th. — Dickens  sent  me  a  parcel — the  pamphlet  relating 
to  Glencoe,  and  the  proof  sheets  of  his  first  number  of  his  new  work 
— Master  Humphrey's  Cloclc.  I  read  it  first  myself,  and  then  read  it 
to  Catherine  and  I.etitia,  who,  as  well  as  myself,  were  much  affected 
and  amused  by  it.     Mrs.  Dickens  called  whilst  we  were  at  luncheon. 

^  The  piece  was  acted  twenty  times,  but  with  little  benefit  to  the  treasury. 

"  The  famous  banker-poet. 

^  Lord  John  Russell,  representing  the  Government  in  the  House  of  Commons,  had 
moved  that  ;i^5o,ooo  per  annum  should  be  settled  on  Prince  Albert.  Joseph  Hume  moved 
that  the  amount  should  be  reduced  to  ^21,000,  but  the  motion  was  negatived  by  305  to 
38  votes.  Colonel  Sibthorp,  the  Tory  M.P.  for  Lincoln,  then  moved  a  reduction  to 
;£'30,ooo,  and  with  the  support  of  Sir  Robert  Peel  and  the  Opposition  the  motion  was 
carried  by  262  to  158  votes. 

43 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1840 

January  Qlst. — Looked  at  the  Morning  Herald,  which  had  an  article 
on  the  new  tragedy  by  Jerrold  abusive  of  Bulwer.  Went  to  Drury 
I.ane  theatre ;  acted  Ruthven  fairly.  Forster  and  Bulwer  came  into  my 
room.  The  latter  seemed  very  urgent  that  I  should  take  Drury  Lane 
theatre.  Sent  for  Hammond,  and  spoke  to  him  on  the  subject  of 
backing  up  the  tragedy. 

February  ^nd. — The  Observer  talked  some  nonsense  about  having 
set  me  "right  with  the  public."     What  the  ass  means  I  cannot  guess. 

February  4£/i. — Mrs.  Braysher  called  with  a  note  from  dear  Miss 
Faucit,  and  a  note  and  some  shells  from  her  to  Catherine.  I  had  a 
very  long  conversation  with  Mrs.  Braysher,  and  recommended  her  call- 
ing on  Mr.  Collier  and  informing  him  where  Miss  Faucit  was,  why 
she  was  there,  and  at  whose  instance,  and  to  say  that  any  information 
about  her  might  be  had  for  the  inquiry. 

February  1th. — Forster  came  into  my  rooin  bringing  the  news  of 
Leigh  Hunt's  play  having  been  successful  at  Covent  Garden,  although 
he  could  not  define  exactly  the  nature  of  its  success. 

February  8th. — Looked  at  the  paper,  and  read  luisiily  the  criticism 
on  Leigh  Hunt's  play — which  I  cannot  think  genuinely  successful.  I 
can  scarcely  believe  that  it  will  attract. 

February  dth. — Looked  over  the  newspaper,  and  was  sorry  to  see 
Fonblanque  ^  so  entirely  surrendering  his  sturdy  opinions  upon  social 
and  human  rights  to  the  maintenance  of  a  miserable,  miserable  party. 
Arranged  my  weekly  accounts.  Forster  called,  and  I  gave  him  my 
opinion,  when  asked,  of  his  violent  praise  of  Miss  E.  Tree's  perform- 
ance, which  being,  as  I  can  suppose,  good  in  little,  he  praised  as 
great  in  great. 

February  10th. — Went  to  the  Piazza  Coffee  House  to  congratulate 
and  sup  with  Maclise  on  the  occasion  of  his  election  as  a  Royal 
Academician.  Poor  Maclise  was  very  tipsy  with  the  wine  and  the 
event.  Stanfield  was  there  with  others.  Walked  home  with  Edward 
and  Dickens. 

February  Wth. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Acted  Macbeth 
as  well  as  I  could,  but  distressed  by  weakness  and  by  the  disgusting 
rudeness  and  inattention  of  the  people  behind  the  scenes.  Was  called 
for  and  well  received.  Miss  Horton  sent  me  in  a  note  waiting  for  an 
answer.  I  saw  her  and  advised  her  not  to  accept  an  engagement  at  the 
Surrey  theatre.  Heard  to-night  that  a  message  had  been  sent  from 
the  Lord  Chamberlain  yesterday  to  the  theatres,  informing  the 
managers  that  they  might  in  future  act  on  the  Wednesday  and  Fridays 
^  I'onblanijue  was  then  editor  of  the  Exaniincr. 

44 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF  MACREADY 

in  Lent  excepting  Ash  Wednesday  and  Passion  Week.  This  boon 
from  the  persons  in  brief  authority  is  something  hke  the  gifts  of  Ajax 
and  Hector. 

February  ISth. — Went  to  dine  with  Mrs.  Rolls  and  passed  an 
agreeable  day.  Met  Dottin,  M.P.  for  Southampton,  Walpole,  Boxall, 
Whately  and  Lady  Henrietta  Churchill,  Dickens  and  Mrs.  Dickens, 
Miss  Morice,  etc. 

February  15th. — Looked  at  the  papers.  In  one  of  them  I  read 
the  account  of  Mr.  Stephen  Price's  death.  The  announcement  was 
accompanied  with  some  praises  of  his  qualities  of  head  and  heart. 
All  that  I  knew  of  him,  which  was  not  little,  tended  to  prove  him 
an  arrogant,  bullying,  envious,  false,  and  dishonest  man ;  he  tried  in 
life  to  bully  me,  he  cheated  me,  and  cowered  from  the  responsibility 
when  charged  with  it ;  he  abused  and  depreciated  me  behind  my  back, 
and  curried  favour  to  my  face ;  he  had  done  his  best  to  injure  me  by 
defamation,  and  then  was  obliged  to  sue  to  me  for  the  assistance  of 
my  talent.     He  is  gone — unpitied,  unlamented ;  he  had  no  friend. 

February  16th. — Forster  told  me  of  Leigh  Hunt's  ingratitude  to 
him,  who  has  done  everything  for  him  for  years ;  he  is  not  a  good  man, 
nor  a  good-natured  man. 

February  19th. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Acted  Ruthven 
fairly ;  was  called  for  and  well  received  by  the  audience.  Very  much 
disgusted  and  irritated  by  Mr.  Elton  walking  out  in  the  last  scene, 
and  converting  what  was  arranged  as  a  most  terrible  and  picturesque 
murder  into  a  miserable  hustle !  I  was  excessively  annoyed,  but  on 
reflection  thought  it  wiser  to  leave  him  to  a  beggar's  consolation — of 
having  had  his  own  way,  and  paying  for  it ;  he  is  a  most  wretched 
specimen  of  imbecile  vanity. 

February  21st. — A  Mr.  Esdaile  called,  wishing  for  instruction  to 
aid  him  in  going  on  the  stage ;  I  with  kindness  and  earnestness  dis- 
suaded him  from  following  so  unprofitable  and  demoralizing  a  calling, 
and  told  him  I  had  rather  see  one  of  my  children  dead  than  on  the 
stage.     He  left  me  very  grateful  for  my  advice. 

February  23rd. — Walked  out  with  Edward  and  called  on  Dickens, 
having  seen  his  solicitor's  advertisement  versus  Bartley  in  the  Examiner. 
Urged  on  him  the  necessity  of  arranging  the  quarrel  with  Bartley,  and 

dissuaded  him  from  answering  any  attack  that  B might  make  upon 

him  next  week.  He  showed  me  a  letter  he  had  prepared,  but  I 
requested  him  not  to  send  it.  He  is  quite  in  the  wrong.  He  makes 
a  contract,  which  he  considers  advantageous  at  the  time,  but  subse- 
quently finding  his  talent  more  lucrative  than  he  had   supposed,   he 

4S 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

refused  to  fulfil  the  contract.  TaUourd  came  in  in  the  evening  and 
gave  us  an  amusing  account  of  a  correspondence  between  Lady  Seymour 
and  Lady  Shuckburgh.^  IMadame  Vestris,  it  appears,  has  issued  a 
rescript  in  her  affiches  to  the  effect  that  all  places  reserved  are  to  be 
charged  one  guinea  each.  No  newspaper  takes  notice  of  this ;  no  news- 
paper noticed  the  difference  of  my  arrangements.  Had  I  done  half 
as  much,  how  they  would  have  swooped  upon  me.  What  is  there  more 
vile  and  worthless  than  a  newspaper  writer  ? — perhaps  a  lawyer. 

Fehruca-y  24f/i. — Spoke  to  Mrs.  Warner,  requesting  her  to  be  more 
careful,  as  she  struck  the  dagger  in  my  face.  She  said,  "  I  beg  your 
pardon,  sir,  etc."  It  was  most  painful  to  me  to  think  that  a  woman, 
for  whom  I  had  entertained  an  affection,  and  who  had  once  loved  me, 
could  be  so  estranged  from  me.     Such  is  the  world  ! 

February  28t/i. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre  and  acted  there 
Ruthven  very  fairly;  was  called  for  and  well  received  by  the  audience. 
Willmott  had  mentioned  to  me  a  rumour  that  Mr.  Hammond  had  not 
been  seen  for  two  days,  and  the  general  belief  was  tliat  he  had  decamped 
with  the  receipts  of  the  Command  night ;  but  tliis  we  both  thought 
unlikely.  After  the  play  Lunn  informed  me  that  the  report  through 
the  theatre  was  that  Mr.  Hammond  had  been  captured  and  was  in 
prison.  I  sent  for  Mr.  Copeland,  who  was  not  to  be  found.  Willmott 
came,  and  told  me  his  belief  was  that  the  worst  reports  were  true,  that 
it  was  quite  certain  there  were  sheriff's  officers  in  the  theatre.  I  sent 
for  Mr.  C.  Jones,  treasurer,  and  for  Mr.  Copeland  ;  messengers  searched 
for  them  all  through  the  theatre.  They  were  not  to  be,  or  would  not 
be,  found.  Not  a  person  in  the  theatre  to  speak  with  on  business !  ! 
I  talked  with  Willmott,  and  our  confident  apprehension  was  that  the 
worst  was  true.  He  promised  to  send  or  let  me  know  in  the  morning. 
A  note,  asking  my  autograph,  and  one  from  Bulwer,  asking  me  to 
subscribe  to  an  annuity  for  the  destitute  mother  of  L.  E.  L.  Came 
home  and  told  the  sad  news. 

February  ^dth. — Willmott  came  and   informed  me  that   a  fiat  of 

^  Lady  Seymour,  afterwards  Duchess  of  Somerset,  who  had  recently  enacted  the 
"Queen  of  Beauty"  in  the  Eglinton  tournament,  wrote  to  Lady  Shuckburgh  for  the 
character  of  a  servant  named  Stedman,  inquiring  whether  she  was  a  good  plain  cook. 
Lady  Shuckburgh,  a  baronet's  "lady"  who  would  have  made  a  suitable  consort  to  Sir 
Vavasour  Firebrace,  replied  that  having  a  professed  cook  and  housekeeper  she  knew  nothing 
about  the  under-servants.  Lady  Seymour  retorted  that  she  understood  Stedman  had  some 
practice  in  cooking  for  the  little  Shuckburghs.  The  baronet's  "  lady"  retaliated  t)y  directing 
a  housemaid  to  reply  in  the  following  terms:  "Stedman  informs  me  that  your  ladyship 
does  not  keep  either  a  cook  or  a  housekeeper,  and  that  you  only  require  a  girl  who  can 
cook  a  mutton  chop ;  if  so,  Stedman  or  any  other  scullion  will  be  found  fully  equal  to  cook 
for  or  manage  the  establishment  of  the  Queen  of  Beauty." 
46 


1840]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

bankruptcy  had  been  issued  against  Hammond,  which  sequestered  his 
effects  and  monies  up  to  Friday ;  that  the  proprietors  had  seized  on 
the  receipts  of  last  night,  and  that  the  agreements  with  the  actors,  etc., 
were  at  an  end.  He  spoke  of  several  plans  suggested ;  I  would  hear 
of  none  involving  myself,  but  expressed  myself  willing  to  act  gratuit- 
ously on  Monday  for  the  poorer  performers.  Phelps,  Bennett  and 
Yarnold  called  to  tell  me  they  would  not  act  and  to  ask,  I  suppose,  my 
opinion.  I  told  them,  the  best  thing  was  to  take  the  best  situations 
that  offered,  and  wait  for  better  times,  which  could  not  come  until 
worse  had  passed  away.  Willmott  came  with  a  deputation  from  the 
Drury  Lane  Company — Messrs.  Vining,  W.  Bennett,  and  A.  Lee — to 
say  that  the  Sub-Committee  had  agreed  to  let  them  the  theatre  for  £25 
per  night — which  was  not  to  be  exacted  if  not  received — and  that  they 
would  guarantee  my  full  salary  if  I  would  play  next  week  for  them.  I 
expressed  myself  willing  and  happy  to  see  the  gentlemen  on  any  other 
business,  or  in  any  other  capacit}^  than  as  deputies  from  the  Drury 
Lane  Company,  to  which  I  did  not  belong ;  but  if  there  was  any  busi- 
ness Mr.  Willmott  could  acquaint  me  with  it.  Willmott,  therefore, 
came,  and  the  others  were  left  in  the  coach  (which  was  an  oversight 
on  my  part,  I  ought  to  have  asked  them  into  another  room  whilst  I 
spoke  with  Willmott).  I  told  him,  as  to  receiving  the  ^hole  of  my 
salary,  whilst  any  one  else  received  only  a  part  of  his  or  hers,  he  knew 
I  would  not  hear  of  such  a  thing  :  he  said  he  had  told  them  so.  I 
added  that  I  would  not  be  concerned  in  any  sharing  plan,  nor  be  mixed 
in  any  way  with  them  ;  that  I  would  play  gratuitously  on  Monday,  but 
could  not  do  more.  He  had  scarcely  left  me  when  I  felt  so  uncomfort- 
able and  agitated  that  I  was  conscious  I  had  done  wrong.  I  came  into 
the  drawing-room,  wishing  to  vent  my  confused  and  tumultuous 
thoughts  for  mere  relief.  I  sent  the  children,  rather  abruptly  and 
pettishly,  to  bed,  which  I  should  not  have  done,  but  I  was  suffering 
very  much,  and  had  lost  command  of  myself.  When  they  were  gone  I 
said  I  had  placed  myself  in  an  assailable  position — I  had  not  done  right, 
I  must  instantly  correct  the  fault  I  had  committed,  I  must  write  to 
Willmott  and  say  I  would  play  gratuitously  the  whole  week.  Edward 
was  against  it,  but  Catherine  and  Letty  were  instantly  and  strongly  in 
favour  of  it.  I  went  down-stairs,  Avrote  the  note,  persisting  in  refusing 
the  actors'  offer,  but  agreeing  to  play  for  them  through  the  week,  on 
condition  that  Haynes's  three  nights'  pay  was  secured  to  him.  Sent 
it  and  received  Willmott's  acknowledgment.  Went  to  Lord  Northamp- 
ton's, P.R.S.  Met  Sir  H.  Ellis,  Dr.  Lardner,  Elliotson,  Jerdan, 
Stanfield,    Sir    M.    Shee,    Irwins,    Pickersgill,    G.    Byng,    Brockedon, 

47 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

Babbage,  Lord  Lansdowne,  Dr.  Williamson,  Bishop,  Emerson  Tennant, 
T.  Moore,  etc.     Passed  a  pleasant  evening. 

March  1st. — Called  on  Bulwer,  whom  we  found  before  his  breakfast- 
table,  apparently  jaded  and  worn  out  with  last  night's  debauch  ;  he 
told  us  he  had  onl_v  got  to  bed  by  half-past  seven.  I  asked  him  if  he 
was  at  Lord  Northampton's  ;  he  said  no,   but  had  heard  from  Lord 

Lansdowne  that  I  was  there — that  Lord  L spoke  very  pleasantly  of 

me.  We  talked  of  the  Drury  Lane  paralysis,  and  of  the  prospect  of 
the  Haymarket,  etc.,  of  the  vote  on  Sir  John  Newport's  job  ^  ;  he  said 
the  Ministers  were  too  strong  to  care  for  anything,  having  a  vote  of 
confidence.  I  was  sorry  to  hear  this.  Edward  left  us,  and  Willie  and 
I  went  on  to  Lady  Blessington's.  I  met  Fonblanque  by  the  door  and 
was  very  glad  to  see  him.  Sir  Andrew  Barnard  "  was  with  Lady  Bless- 
ington  and  a  very  pretty  girl,  a  Miss  Power.  Lady  Blessington  talked 
almost  to  fatigue  me,  and  chiefly  in  abuse  of  the  Queen. 

March  Srd. — Mr.  W.  Farren  called,  and  detained  me  the  whole 
afternoon,  informing  me  of  a  libellous  paragraph  in  the  Satirist  about 
Miss  H.  Faucit  and  of  his  hope  of  discovering  the  propagator  of  the 
scandalous  rumours  against  her ;  mentioned  his  desire  that  she  should 
come  up,  and  attend  the  meeting  of  the  Haymarket  performers  and 
tliat  Webster  should  publish  her  physician's  certificates.  I  had  spoken 
to  Lunn  in  the  early  part  of  the  evening,  and  asked  him  very  search- 
ingly  if  he  had  ever  said  anything  light,  or  disrespectful  of,  or  in  any 
way  reflecting  on.  Miss  Faucit.  He  very  solemnly  denied  any  such 
charge — repeatedly  to  my  various  interrogatories ;  he  said  he  had  heard 
persons  speak  lightly  and  jestingly  of  her  at  Covent  Garden  and  at 
Drury  Lane,  that  he  had  always  asserted  she  only  saw  me  on  business, 
etc.  I  asked  him  if  any  other  lady's  name  had  been  mentioned  with 
mine.  He  said  "  Yes  :  Miss  Montague's  "(!!!).  I  asked  if  any 
other ;  he  said  "  Yes :  Miss  Horton's !  "  This  almost  assumes  a 
ridiculous  appearance,  if  it  does  not  involve  the  reputation — in  some 
degree — and  perhaps  the  peace  of  mind  of  an  amiable  girl. 

March  Mh. — I  went  with  Nina  and  Letitia  to  Elstree.  My  journey 
was  a  melancholy  one  ;  every  familiar  object  on  the  road,  the  road  itself, 
leading  over  Brockley  Hill,  as  I  caught  it  in  the  distance,  looked  as  if 

^  Sir  John  Newport  was  Comptroller  of  the  Exchequer,  a  post  which  the  Government 
induced  him  to  resign  in  favour  of  Mr.  Spring  Kice,  who  was  retiring  from  the  Ministry 
with  a  peerage.  A  vole  of  censure  on  the  conduct  of  the  Government  was  carried  hy  240 
to  212  voles,  but  they  refused  to  resign,  relying  on  a  vote  of  confidence  carried  by  a  majority 
1 2  of  a  few  weeks  before. 

*  Sir  Andrew  Francis  Barnard  (1773-1855)  ;  a  distinguished  general. 
48 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

part  of  the  happy  thoughts  that  were  associated  with  what  I  think  of 
as  my  home  of  many  happy  years.  How  often  in  coming  here  have  I 
left  care,  and  evil  passion,  and  degrading  thoughts  behind  me,  and  felt, 
as  the  beauty  of  the  landscape  opened  and  the  inspiring  freshness  of 
the  air  breathed  on  me,  my  heart  spring  up  and  burn  within  me  in 
gratitude  to  God  and  love  of  His  works  seen,  heard,  and  felt  around 
me.  I  must  leave  it — my  home,  my  home !  Farewell,  dear,  dear 
Elstree !  I  leave  the  fields,  the  trees,  and  flowers,  among  which  my 
heart  has  pondered  on  the  infinite  benevolence  of  God,  and  worshipped 
Him  in  wonder  and  fulness  of  delight.  Saw  old  Norma,  who  bounded 
about  with  delight,  dear  old  dog.  The  tears  w'ere  on  the  cheeks  of 
Nina  and  Letitia  more  than  once,  and  filled  my  eyes.  Farewell.  Note 
from  Mr.  Far r en  about  Lunn  and  Miss  Faucit.  Miss  Horton  came, 
with  Serle,  to  dine;  I  spoke  to  her  about  Ophelia.  We  had  a  very 
cheerful  and  pleasant  day. 

March  5t]i. — I  subjected  Lunn  again  to  a  very  stern  questioning  m 
the  presence  of  Catherine  on  the  subject  of  the  calumnies  spread  abroad 
about  dear  Miss  Faucit.  He  steadfastly  denied  ever  having  encouraged 
a  thought  against  her.  Browning  called.  Wrote  to  Mrs.  Braysher,^ 
telling  her  of  the  evidence  we  had  obtained.  Wrote  note  to  Pratt. 
Mr.  Braysher  called  and  talked  very  long  about  this  unhappy  afi^air  of 
Miss  Faucit.  He  gave  me  Mrs.  Braysher's  letter.  I  objected,  as  he 
did,  to  notice  the  Satirist. 

March  1th. — A  letter  from  Mr.  Braysher  expressing  his  apprehen- 
sions of  the  injury  done  to  Miss  Helen  Faucit  being  beyond  the  reach 
of  law ;  it  staggered  me  very  much  at  first,  but  on  reflection  I  could  not 
believe  it.  Miss  P.  Horton  called,  and  I  went  over  the  part  of  Ophelia 
with  her.  Mr.  Farren  called — to  meet  Mr.  Braysher,  who  came  at  his 
appointed  hour — half-past  four.  I  strongly  urged,  against  all  lawyers, 
the  necessity  of  commencing  an  action  against  Miss  Faucit's  defamers 
and  of  putting  up  the  notice  in  the  green-room. 

March  8th. — Went  with  Edward  to  the  railway  station.  Took  my 
seat,  and  reached  Twyford  in  an  hour  and  five  minutes.  Continued 
my  journey  by  coach,  and  read  through  the  first  volume  of  Wilhehn 
Meister,  with  which  I  was  so  charmed  that  I  could  not  discontinue  it. 
There  were  many  passages  on  it,  which  forced  upon  me  sad  reflections 
on  my  own  position,  and  the  recurrence  of  these  painful  thoughts  made 
my  journey  one  of  the  most  melancholy  I  have  taken  for  some  time. 
Where  there  is  sorrow  in  this  world,  except  for  a  bereavement  under 

*  A  friend  of  Miss  Faucit,  who  was  for  some  time  a  resident  in  her  house. 
VOL.  II.  E  49 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

the  dispensation  of  God,  there  is  certainly  error,  and  I  cannot  conceal 
from  myself  that  I  have  erred,  though  not,  I  think  (and  I  hope  I  do 
not  deceive  myself)  as  from  a  superficial  glance  it  might  appear.     There 

is  no  doubt had  felt  an  admiration  for  me,  which  amounted  to 

love.  Her  manner  in  parting  with  me  was  manifest  proof  of  it.  Her 
subsequent  meeting  with  me  strengthened  this  feeling  in  her  and  made 
her  an  object  of  interest  to  me.  I  could  not — at  least  I  did  not  feel 
that  I  could — show  coldness  to  her,  though  I  really  wished  her  good 
angel  had  removed  her  from  me.  Time  has  made  her  partiality  a 
passion  and  her  injuries  and  sufferings  have  deepened  my  interest  for 
her  into  a  sincere  affection,  but  one  which  I  can  avow  without  any 
self-reproach  for  the  feeling.  My  anxiety  for  her  is  quite  a  painful 
sensation. 

Bristol,  March  9th. — Rehearsed  Macbeth,  and  tried  to  profit  by 
the  suggestions  I  had  caught  from  Goethe  yesterday,  in  making  myself 
my  character  independently  of  the  persons  around  me  ;  hoped  to  be  able 
to  carry  my  purpose  into  effect  at  night,  but  shuddered  at  the  styles 
and  language  of  those  who  environed  me.  Dined  frugally  and  rested — 
looking  at  Wilhelm  Meister,  and  then  tried  to  get  my  mind  filled  with 
Macbeth.  A  Vent  to  the  theatre  and  tried  to  act  Macbeth  ;  but,  the 
witches  first — ducking  or  burning  could  only  have  properly  rewarded 
them  ;  then  Banquo,  shutting  his  eyes,  and  making  iiimself  amiable 
and  heroic  in  turns ;  then  Duncan,  an  out-and-out-wretch  ;  but  it  was 
all  so  bad — Banquo  coming  on  as  the  ghost  with  his  face  painted 
exactly  like  the  clown  in  a  pantomime !  It  was  so  bad  that  I  felt  and 
said,  "  money  could  not  pay  for  the  sense  of  degradation  endured  in 
such  a  set  of  persons."  Nor  can  it — it  is  impossible  to  preserve  one's 
self-respect.  I  laboured — I  thought  of  Goethe,  I  thought  of  using  the 
occasion  as  a  study — it  would  not  do,  it  ivas  too  had.  I  was  "  hewed 
like  a  carcase  fit  for  hounds."     Was  called  for,  and  well  received. 

March  10th. — What  a  mere  dream  my  life  appears  as  I  look  back 
upon  it !  This  most  unfortunate  calling  of  a  player — which  never  per- 
mits a  man  to  feel  that  he  is  growing  old,  but  lets  him  start  out  of  a 
sort  of  opium-sleep  of  fantasies,  air-built  castles,  flatteries  and  frettings, 
sensual  dreams,  and  ill-kept  resolutions,  to  find  himself  on  the  very 
verge  of  age- — has  been  to  me  a  greater  misfortune  than  to  most  of 
those  who  have  embarked  on  it.  I  am  not  philosophic  enough  to  be 
patient  under  wrong  or  misconstruction,  or  misrepresentation,  and  in 
losing  the  sedative  of  "  the  country  "  I  lose  my  hold  on  hope  of  self- 
amendment.     I  am  the  victim  of  an  ill-regulated,  and  morbid  imagina- 

50 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

tion,  and  to  what  its  agency  may  lead  nie  I  cannot  see.  For  my  dearest 
children's  sake  God  grant  it  may  be  to  good.  Amen  !  1  thouglit,  and 
resolved  much — but  with  what  result ! 

March  11th. — A  morning  of  angry  and  painful  thought  follows  a 
restless  night.  But  in  any  situation  of  life  of  what  me  is  anger  ?  It 
occupies  and  weakens  in  its  after-effects  the  mind,  and  incapacitates 
the  judgment.  Vindictive  measures,  personal  retaliation — recrimination 
on  the  circulators  of  these  falsehoods  about  Miss  Faucit,  have  altern- 
ately held  fierce  possession  of  my  mind ;  but  it  is  only  from  calm 
reflection  we  can  act  with  propriety  and  dignity,  and  1  am  persuaded 
that  an  inflexible  adherence  to  principle  is  the  only  sure,  at  least  the 
surest,  plan  of  human  happiness.  A  letter  from  my  beloved  Catherine, 
in  the  sweetest  tone  of  mind,  comes  like  a  sunny  omen  of  good  from 
heaven  to  cheer  and  confirm  me.  It  expresses  fears  for  her  mother's 
declining  health,  which  I  think  is  breaking — and  gives  me  a  detailed 
account  of  home ;  encloses  cards  for  dinner  on  Sunday  next  from  Lord 
Lansdowne  and  Lady  Blessington.  Answered  her,  and  the  invitations, 
accepting  Lord  Lansdowne's,  which  was  the  first,  and  declining  Lady 
Blessington 's.  I  learned  to-day  that  the  Chancery  suit  on  my  grand- 
father's will,  begun  about  the  year  1811 — or  12,  was  terminated  a  short 
time  since ;  the  amount  contested  was  about  £20,000,  and  a  few  weeks, 

or  months  ago,  Mrs.  McC received  as  my  father's  share  £37  lis. !  ! ! 

The  family  of  my  Uncle  Tom  are  left  in  actual  indigence,  and  all  the 
other  members  of  the  family  have  spent  considerable  sums ;  my  father 
£200  or  £300 — to  get  this  £37,  etc.  It  is  one  of  many  lessons  on 
accursed  Law — not  to  be  lost. 

March  12th. — Began  the  day  with  reflections  on  my  expenses,  my 
slanderous  assailants,  and  turned  to  the  personation  of  Hamlet,  which 
I  continued  till  I  rose.  Computed  the  expense  of  my  new  furniture 
with  the  omission  of  several  intended  things,  and  decided.  Began 
working  on  Richelieu,  which  I  have  forgotten.  Received  letters  from 
dearest   Catherine ;   very  comfortable  and  comforting,   except  in   the 

account  of  her  mother's  health  ;  and  one  from ;  the  latter  is  very 

nicely  written,  but  she  signs  it  •     Is  this  in  her  fond  gratitude, 

or  is  it  that  she  does  not  see,  that  she  has  not  learned  the  necessity  of 
wrestling  with  a  passion,  and  moderating  it  to  a  deep  and  tender  friend- 
ship? Such  is  the  feeling,  before  God,  that  I  desire  to  preserve  and 
prove  to  her.  God  assist  and  carry  into  purpose  and  act,  even  to  the 
end,  my  proper  and  honourable  intentions.  Went  to  the  theatre  to 
play ;  but  all  the  day,  and  all  tlie  night,  through  the  whole  play,  1 

E  2  51 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

was  Jiaunted  by  one  word — it  was  in  my  brain  as  I  walked  behind  the 
scenes,  and  seemed  written  down  before  me  as  I  sat  at  my  toilet,  each 

time  that  I  returned  to  my  room.     This  word  was .     Does  it  mean 

anything  ?  Does  it  not  ?  Does  she  examine  her  own  heart  ?  I  fear 
not.  She  really  is  amiable,  but  I  believe  she  is  blind  to  her  own  posi- 
tion.    She  would  seem  to  intimate  to  me  that  she  loves  me  with  a  love 

beyond  what  friends  indulge  in,  or  why  ?     Here  is  an  evidence 

of  the  ill-effect  of  the  absence  of  a  principle.  She  may  very  naturally 
love  me  more  than  she  has  ever  done.  She  may  think  or  feel  she  has 
more  reason.  But  she  has  noble  and  solacing  motives  to  sustain  her 
in  at  least  tlie  struggle  with  her  emotion.  It  is  a  subject  on  which  I 
cannot  write  to  her,  lest  her  letters  be  seen,  but  I  pray  to  God  that  I 
may  act  rightly  towards  her,  and  make  her  my  friend  by  deserving  still 
more  her  gratitude  and  friendship.  I  will  hope  so  and  strive  so.  God 
strengthen  and  assist  me.  Acted  Rutiiven  as  well  as  I  could,  but  with 
such  a  set — oh  !  it  was  too  bad.  This  icord  still  pursues  me.  And  it 
is  addressed  to  an  ill-regulated,  an  over-excited,  a  morbid  imagination 
— one  that  I  have  difficulty  in  controlling  even  Avithout  suggestion  to 
unhealthy  action.  But  I  will  do  what  is  right.  I  will  believe  all  that 
is  good  of  her,  and  think,  as  is  probable,  it  is  the  mere  want  of  the 
strong  terms,  "affectionate,  etc.,"  which  her  feelings  need  to  express 
themselves,  that  she  has  recourse  to  this  most  familiar  method.  God 
bless  her,  and  make  her,  and  keep  her  a  good  girl. 

London,  March  15th. — Went  to  dinner  at  Lord  Lansdowne's.  Met 
some  agreeable  persons,  with  Fonblanque,  Bulwer,  Pigott,  the  Solicitor- 
General  for  Ireland,  and  Lord  Normanby.  Liked  Lady  Lansdowne, 
though  she  impressed  me  with  the  idea  of  a  proud  person  at  first.  The 
day  was  pleasant  to  me,  and  I  was  much  struck  with  the  beautiful  works 
of  art  I  saw  there.  Fortunati  niivium,  who  are  born  to  such 
possessions. 

March  16th. — Was  nervous  and  uncertain  about  the  performance 
of  Hamlet  to-night — regretting  that  I  had  not  made  myself  secure  of 
my  feeling  througli  the  part.  Went  to  the  theatre  and  rehearsed 
Hamlet ;  took  pains  a\  ilh  Miss  Horton  also.  First  night  of  engage- 
ment at  Ilaymarket.'  Went  to  theatre  and  acted  Hamlet  very  care- 
fully and  very  well.  The  new  effect  of  the  pictures  on  the  wall  of 
the  apartment  was  a  very  great  improvement  on  the  old  stupid  custom. 
Was  called  for  and  very  well  received  by  the  audience.     Miss  Horton 

*  Thisengaijementat  the  Haymarket  continued  to  the  emlof  this  year  and  up  loMnrch  13 
in  the  following  year  {1841) — {no/e  by  Sir  F.  Pollock). 
52 


I 


1840]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

made  quite  a  success  in  Ophelia,  and  was  very  warmly  received  indeed. 
Bulwer,  Jerdan,  Forster,  Maclise  came  into  my  room.  All  were  much 
pleased,  but  Bulwer  was  quite  delighted ;  I  never  saw  him  so  enthusi- 
astic.    I  was  very  much  pleased.     Thank  God,  all  went  so  well. 

March  17f/i. — Went  to  Forster,  and  did  not  spend  a  pleasant 
evening  with  him  and  Mr.  11.  Cattermole  over  disputation.  Dickens 
came  in  in  the  evening — Procter  had  previously  gone.  Upon  reflec- 
tion I  cannot  too  heavily  blame  myself  for  permitting  my  feelings  so 
to  overmaster  me  as  to  enter  into  a  discussion  with  Mr.  Cattermole 
on  religion  and  policy.  1  was  shocked  at  the  narrow  and  uncharitable 
views  he  took  of  the  rights  of  his  fellow-men.  God  help  them,  these 
are  their  souls'  curators !  ! 

March  IQth. — Went  with  dear  little  Edward  to  Elstree,  reading 
Wilhelm  Mcistcr  by  the  way.  My  heart  yearned  within  me  as  I  again 
approached  the  village  and  the  home  endeared  to  me  by  so  long  a 
residence,  by  so  much  enjoyed,  so  much  endured,  by  my  blessed 
children's  births  and  by  my  own  meditations  amid  the  fields  and  flowers 
— among  the  birds  and  beneath  the  naked  cope  of  heaven.  And  to 
leave  it — to  leave  so  much  that  is  so  dear !  It  is  consecrated  in  my 
memory  by  all  that  makes  life  dear.  Beloved  home — farewell — fare- 
well— my  heart  is  torn  in  departing  from  you !  All  was  in  the  con- 
fusion of  packing  and  removal.  The  once  cheerful  little  rooms  looked 
desolate,  sad,  and  dreary,  and  poor  Mrs.  East  looked  the  picture  of 
melancholy.     I  looked  at  all  around  me  perhaps  for  the  last  time. 

March  20f/?. — Went  to  theatre,  and  rehearsed  Shylock.  Heard 
of  the  return  of  Mr.  C.  Kemble  to  the  stage  being  announced  for 
Tuesday  next  by  special  Command !  It  is  only  what  might  be 
expected  from  him — what  else  has  he? — he  can  neither  think,  nor 
read  ! 

March  21s£. — Called  on  Maclise,  and  saw  again  his  grand  picture 
of  Macbeth.  The  figure  of  Lady  Macbeth,  which  I  had  not  seen 
before,  I  thought  the  ideal  of  the  character  :  it  is  a  noble  conception. 
His  picture  of  Olivia  I  can  look  at  for  ever ;  it  is  beauty,  moral  and 
physical,  personified.  Forster  told  me  some  news  that  shocked  us  all 
— that  Dr.  Lardner  had  eloped  with  a  married  woman,  the  wife  of  a 
magistrate  at  Brighton,  who  had  left  a  husband  and  three  children 
to  accompany  him  ;  they  were  said  to  have  gone  to  France.  I  am 
truly  sorry  for  this  wretched  act  of  folly  and  crime,  which  I  believe 
to  have  originated  in  vanity.^ 

^  See  note,  p.  6,  Vol.  I. 

53 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

March  22;jr/. — Mr.  'V.  Laiidseer  called,  the  amiable,  kind-liearted 
creature !  Maclise  called,  the  poet-painter !  Looked  at  the  papers. 
Spent  the  eveninj?  with  my  blessed,  blessed  children  and  famil}',  talking 
afterwards  with  dearest  Catherine  and  Letitia. 

March  24t/^. — Dickens  called,  and  we  walked  together,  calling  on 
Maclise,  to  Forster's,  where  we  met  at  dinner  Raymond,  Chitty,^ 
T.  Hill,  Jerdan,  Stanfield,  R.  Price,  Procter  and  Fox.  Blanchard 
came  in  the  evening.     A  cheerful  day. 

March  9,oth. — Gave  the  children  their  lessons  and  hurried  to  the 
theatre,  where  I  rehearsed  Richelieu.  Heard  that  Mr.  C.  Kemble,  who 
played  to  an  overflowing  house  last  night,  is  announced  for  Mercutio 
to-morrow.  Here  is  one  of  the  most  striking  instances  of  charlatanry 
that  ever  was  exhibited.  A  man,  only  a  second-rate  performer,  and 
never  in  any  esteem  beyond  that  grade  in  his  best  day,  on  breaking  the 
pledge  he  had  given  not  to  appear  again,  attire  la  joule,  and  is  spoken 
of  by  the  papers  (the  papers — the  moral  filth  of  humanity !)  as  some- 
thing wonderful !  It  is  a  waste  of  indignation  and  contempt  to  give 
a  thought  to  such  quackery. 

March  ^Ith. — Read  an  account  of  Mr.  C.  Kemble  in  the  Times, 
which  seemed  really  ironical,  so  hyperbolical  in  its  overlaid  fulsoraeness. 
These  are  your  critics  ! 

March  28f/j. — Read  the  newspapers;  lifted  my  eyes  in  astonishment 
at  Jerdan *s  ecstatic  notice  of  C.  Kemble's  performance  of  Don  Felix, 
which  he  began  with  the  observation  that  "  no  one  who  had  not  seen  it 
could  form  an  idea  of  it  "  ;  and  as  he  had  not  seen  it  himself,  being 
at  dinner  with  me  in  Forster's  chambers,  I  wasted  no  thought  of 
indignation  on  a  thing  so  ridiculously  profligate. 

March  ^dth. — Browning  called,  and  presented  me  with  his  book  of 
Sordello ;  he  sat  some  time,  and  the  Procters  called.  When  they  had 
gone  I  asked  Browning  to  stay  dinner,  which  he  did.  He  gave  his 
account  of  his  quarrel  with  Forster,  in  which  certainly  Forster  appears 
the  blamable  party. 

March  QOth. — Saw  witii  pain  and  sorrow  Bulwer's  name  and  his 
domestic  troubles  vulgarized  by  the  report  of  the  trials  in  France.  It 
is  a  sad  instance  of  the  dreadful  penalties  attending  an  indiscretion  !!! 
or  rather,  in  his  case,  indiscretions;  for  though  the  first  includes  all, 
his  ill-advised,  ill-assorted  marriage — the  great  cast  in  every  man's  life 
for  good  or  ill — yet  still  his  infidelities  since  to  his  detestable   wife, 

'  Probably  Thomas  Chilty  (1802-1878),  the  eminent  special  pleader ;  father  of  Lord 
Justice  Chitly. 

54 


1840]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

however  provoked  or  excusable  to  some  persons  they  may  appear,  now 
bitterly  revenge  themselves  on  him,  in  preventing  him  from  gaining  the 
redress  he  might  seek,  and  in  many  instances  excluding  him  from 
sympathy.  A  high-hearted,  honourable  man,  condemned  for  life  to 
misery  !      What  an  example  ! 

April  1st. — A  letter  from  Miss  Helen  Faucit,  informing  me  that  she 
had  fallen  back  in  health,  and  was  now  going  for  change  to  Brighton. 
I  do  not  think  she  will  recover ;  she  has  been  cared  for  too  late.  How 
very,  very  much  we  miss  her  now,  with  these  Mrs.  Warners  and 
Yarnolds !  Copy  of  Lear  from  C.  Knight,  who  gives  a  long  disquisi- 
tion upon  the  bad  taste  of  N.  Tate  and  those  who  acted  his  version  of 
King  Lear,  but  cannot  spare  one  word  for  the  successful  attempt  to 
place  Shakspeare  in  his  own  form  again  upon  the  stage. 

April  3rd. — Went  to  the  theatre,  and  acted  Shylock  very  well. 
Was  in  low  spirits,  hearing  of  the  houses  at  Covent  Garden — to  see  that 
which  when  at  its  best  was  merely  second-rate,  and  now  that  it  is 
incapable,  attire  la  joule — of  fools.  Our  houses  are  falling,  and  the 
want  of  something  to  draw  attention  to  our  theatre  makes  me,  apprehen- 
sive as  I  always  am,  nervous  and  uneasy. 

April  ^tli. — Read  the  newspapers;  was  really  sickened  by  Jerdan's 
absurd  notice  of  C.  Kemble.  Forster  called,  and  told  me  that  I  had 
been  abused  in  the  Sunday  Times  !  Received  a  pamphlet  in  verse 
called  The  Lament,  on  the  closing  of  Drury  Lane.  Found  first 
number  of  Master  Humphrey's  Clock,  which  I  pray  may  have  great 
success. 

April  5th. — Read  over  Haynes's  three  acts,  which  he  left  with  me 
yesterday,  and  found  them  hopeless.  His  indolence  gives  him  much 
more  trouble  and  labour  than  a  more  daring  and  enterprising  man 
would  have  to  undergo.  Because  he  had  written  part  of  this  play 
before,  he  did  not  like  to  lose  it,  and  so  has  expended  these  two  months 
on  utter  trash,  as  far  as  the  subject  is  concerned,,  instead  of  rushing 
at  some  bold  and  stirring  plot.  Poor  Haynes !  he  has  too  little  of  the 
Promethean  quality  ever  to  do  anything  great.  W^ent  out  with  Willie, 
and  called  to  see  Maclise's  pictures ;  was  greatly  pleased  with  all  he 
had  done  to  the  picture  of  Macbeth,  which  I  think  is  a  grand  and  wild 
treatment  of  a  finely  imagined  and  most  poetically  conceived  subject. 
We  continued  our  walk  to  Stanfield,  and  saw  his  beautiful  pictures  of 
Sorrento,  Salerno,  Avignon,  St.  Malo,  etc.  Went  on  with  Willie  to 
Mr.  T.  Landseer's ;  saw  Mrs.  Landseer  and  her  little  boy.  Mr. 
T.  L went  with  us  to  Edwin  Landseer's ;  we  had  to  wait  some 

55 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1840 

time.  I  saw  his  father — an  old,  deaf  man  ;  '  in  his  laroe  painting-room 
were  Count  D'Orsay,  Lord  Normanby,  and  some  others  whose  faces 
I  knew,  but  could  not  recollect.  E.  Landseer  had  his  hat  off,  and 
D'Orsay  took  off  his,  as  I  did  mine.  Seeing  Normanby  and  the  others 
covered,  I  put  on  mine,  but  in  a  moment  reflected  that  it  was  to 
Landseer  I  owed  the  courtesy  of  a  gentleman,  if  the  others  chose  to 
forget  it,  and  I  directly  uncovered.  I  saw  at  once  the  superiority  of 
E.  Landseer's  pencil — his  sure  expression  and  absence  of  all  hardness. 
Mrs.  Norton,  Duke  of  Beaufort,  Mrs.  Jameson,  Miss  Rogers  and  others 
came  in.     I  was  very  much  delighted. 

April  9th. — Letter  from  Miss  Faucit,  informing  me  of  the  improve- 
ment in  her  health,  which  I  was  truly  grateful  to  learn.  Looked  at 
the  paper,  in  which  was  the  maiden  speech  of  Mr.  Thesiger — bullying 
and  foul-mouthed  according  to  custom.^  Going  out,  called  on  Dickens, 
who  told  me  that  if  the  demand  for  Humphreij^s  Cloclc  was  sustained  to 
its  present  pitch,  it  would  be  £10,000  per  annum  to  him,  at  which  I 
heartily  rejoice.  Walked  to  Regent  Street  with  Dickens,  and  took  a 
cab  home.  Rested  after  dinner.  The  servant  brought  me  in  a  card, 
Mr.  Thomas  Moore,  and  told  me  the  gentleman  would  take  no  denial. 
I  could  not  imagine  it  to  be  Tom  Moore,  and  went  out  in  a  very  ill 
humour ;  to  my  surprise,  it  was  the  bright  little  man  himself.  We 
went  up-stairs,  and  he  wanted  to  visit  the  Haymarket  with  Mrs.  Moore 
and  his  son,  who  is  going  out  to  India.  I  told  him  to  ask  for 
his  own  private  box,  which  I  procured  for  him  when  I  went  to  the 
theatre. 

April  10th. — Returning,  read  over  Master  Humphrey — No.  1  again 
— on  which  I  had  a  questioning  feeling  of  whether  or  no  it  was  too  good 
for  so  wide  a  circulation.  I  trust  not.  Mrs.  Talfourd  called  in  a  new 
equipage. 

April  llth. — Webster  called  after  dinner,  and  asked  me  about  Miss 
Faucit 's  first  appearance,  having  received  a  letter  from  her.  She  wished 
to  open  in  the  Lady  of  Lyons.     I  think  it  would  have  been  as  well  not. 

^  John  Landseer  (1769-1852) ;  a  well-known  engraver. 

*  Poor  Mr.  Thesiger  azati  toujoiirs  tort!  It  would  be  diflicult  to  cite  a  single  instance, 
in  the  nineteenth  century  at  all  events,  of  a  "bullying  and  foul-mouthed"  maiden  speech  in 
the  House  of  Commons.  If  Macready  is  to  be  credited,  Thesiger  was  a  liberal  blend  of  Lord 
Thurlow  and  Sir  Fletcher  Norton,  whereas  in  reality  he  was  the  essence  of  courtliness  and  good 
manners,  but  he  had  committed  the  unpardonable  crime  of  holding  a  brief  for  Alfred  Bunn 
and  of  commenting  with  a  certain  amount  of  freedom  on  the  manager's  assailant.  Talfourd, 
however,  Macready 's  own  counsel,  came  off  very  little  better,  having,  in  his  client's 
estimation,  sold  the  case. 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

Dickens  called  for  me,  and  we  went  togetlier  to  Lord  Nori Hampton's.^ 
Saw  there  Babbage,  Maclise,  Etty,  Pickersgill,  Horner,  Jerdan,  Stan- 
field,  Lord  Aberdeen,  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  Cartwright,  Sir 
H.  Ellis,  Sir  Richard  Jenkins,  T.  Hook,  Dr.  Dibdin,  Sir  D.  Wilkie. 
Walked  home  with  Dickens. 

April  IWi. — Mrs.  Carlyle  and  a  Mrs.  Stirling  '"^  called  and  sat  some 
time.  Mr.  Howe  then  came,  and  I  read  over  to  him  the  part  of  Henry 
in  Glencoe,  observing  to  him  that  in  giving  him  the  opportunity  of 
playing  the  part,  I  did  not  pledge  myself  that  he  should  do  it,  unless 
he  proved  himself  qualified  for  it.  He  took  the  book  to  write  out  his 
part,  promising  to  return  it  to-morrow  afternoon.  Etty,  Forster, 
Maclise  and  Mrs.  Dickens  came  to  dine  with  us. 

April  14f/i. — Looked  at  the  paper,  and  read  with  grief,  and  really 
with  horror,  the  account  of  the  husband  and  father  of  Mrs.  Heaviside 
entering  the  apartments  occupied  by  Dr.  Lardner  and  herself  at  an 
hotel  in  Paris — the  Hotel  Tronchet — and  forcibly  removing  her,  and 
inflicting  dreadful  punishment  on  that  wretched  man,  Lardner.  The 
very  hopelessness  of  his  condition — the  fact,  as  I  perceive  it,  of  his 
being  out  of  the  pale  of  sympathy,  makes  the  consequence  of  his  guilt 
and  folly  so  terrible,  so  utterly  miserable,  that  whilst  I  condemn  him 
to  the  utmost  extent  of  his  fault,  whilst  I  admit  that  I  would  have  shot 
him  as  a  dog  for  the  same  outrage  on  my  peace,  still,  I  cannot  help 
pitying  the  wretched,  the  deplorably  wretched  man.  He  has  shown 
real  interest  in  me ;  he  has  sat  often  and  often  at  my  table — I  had  a 
sincere  regard  for  him,  and  I  cannot  see  him  sink  thus  into  hopeless 
misery  and  infamy  without  compassion.  God  help  us  all.  I  cannot 
help  mingling  sorrow  and  pity  with  the  angry  censure  I  pronounce  upon 
him. 

April  I'lth. — Mr.  Boyle  called,  and  we  went  to  Elstree,  taking  dear 
Katy  with  us.  I  was  again  quite  sad  to  think  of  leaving  it.  I  walked 
again  and  again  in  the  garden  and  through  the  various  rooms,  imagining 
hours  and  faces  and  voices  that  have,  as  it  were,  furnished  them  to  me 
with  sweet  and  sad  recollections.  Saw  our  dear  old  dog  Norma,  who 
leapt  about  me  with  so  much  joy  that  my  reluctance  to  part  with  her 
is  greater  than  ever.  Left  the  dear  old  house  and  returned  to  London, 
setting  down  Mr.  Boyle  in  Edgware  Road,  and  driving  to  Clarence 
Terrace,  where  I  found  the  greater  part  of  the  family  and  Mrs.  Dickens, 

^  The  Marquis  of  Northampton  was  then   President  of  the   Royal  Society,  and  gave 
soirees  at  his  house  in  Piccadilly — [nofe  by  Sir  F.  Pollock). 

*  Probably  Mrs.  Sterling,  the  mother  of  Carlyle's  friend,  John  Sterling. 

57 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

who  came  to  ask  us  to  dine  with  them  on  Sunday.  I  demurred,  for  I 
did  not  wish  it,  but  at  length  assented.  Took  Mrs.  Dickens  home  and 
saw  Dickens,  who  gave  me  No.  3  of  Humphrey.  Saw  my  Httle  god- 
daughter ;  God  bless  her !  Came  to  York  Gate ;  found  a  note  from 
Forster.  Read  No.  3  ;  the  first  part  very  pleasing,  the  latter  portion 
of  extraordinary  power. 

April  25th. — Rehearsed  the  Lady  of  Lyons ;  saw  Miss  Helen  Faucit. 
I  was  (juite  pleased  to  see  her  so  well  and  apparently  so  strong  ;  she  was 
very  glad  to  see  me.  Acted  Claude  Melnotte  partially  well ;  was  called 
for,  but  hearing  Miss  Faucit 's  name,  thought  it  right  she  should  have 
her  undivided  applause,  and  desired  that  some  one  else  should  lead  her 
on,  which  was  done.  Went  on  afterwards,  to  the  continued  call,  and 
was  well  received.  David  Colden  came  into  my  room  and  accompanied 
me  to  Babbage's,  where  I  saw  Sidney  Smith,  Professor  Wheatstone,  the 
Brockedons,  two  or  three  whom  I  knew,  but  not  by  name,  Harness, 
Travers,  HaAves,  Lady  Stepney,  Dr.  Arnott,  Milman,  the  Bishop  of 
Norwich  (Stanley),^  who  wished  to  be  known  to  me.  I  had  a  very 
interesting  conversation  with  him,  a  man  I  admire  and  reverence  so 
much,  speaking  with  great  warmth  of  the  effort  I  had  made  and 
the  probable  effect  if  carried  out.  I  was  very  much  pleased  with 
him. 

April  2dth. — Looked  over  the  paper,  which  affords  me  very  little 
satisfaction.  I  see  human  nature  degrading  itself  to  a  state  of  mental 
subjection  that  makes  the  heart  sick  with  despondency  of  good.  Went 
out,  and  hastened  down  to  King's  College,  where  I  saw  Professor 
Wheatstone,  who  showed  the  persons  present  his  electric  telegraph,  and 
his  speaking  machine,  which  uttered  clearly  the  words  "  Mamma,  papa, 
mother,  thumb,  summer."  I  was  amply  recompensed  for  the  visit  I 
paid  him.  I  saw  Milman  there,  who  was  very  courteous.  Called  at 
several  shops  and  priced  various  articles  of  furniture.  Looked  in  at  the 
Water-colour  Exhibition,  and  saw  some  very  beautiful  things  by  Copley 
Fielding  and  Prout.  Called  at  the  Haymarket,  and  spoke  to  Webster 
on  business.     Called  at  Holloway's  and  paid  for  my  prints. 

May  1st. — Looked  at  the  newspaper,  and  was  amused  Avith  the 
staunch  and  vigorous  inveteracy  of  O'Connell.  Went  to  the  private 
view  of  the  Royal  Academy,  and  was  much  gratified  with  what  I  saw  ; 
I  think  it  is  one  of  the  best  exhibitions  I  have  seen  ;  all  the  distinguished 
artists  are  up  to  a  hiyh  mark,  except  Turner,  who  is  lamentable.     Saw 

1  EdwaiH  Stanley  ( 1 779-1 849)  ;  Bishop  of  Norwich  from  1837  to  1849.  A  church 
reformer,  and  advanced  Liberal  ;    father  of  Dean  Stanley. 

58 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

D'Orsay,  Etty,  C.  Landseer,  Edwin  Landseer,  Maclise,  Mrs.  Dickens, 
Stanfield,  T.  kill,  Mr.  W.  Russell. 

May  5th. — Went  to  Carlyle's  lecture,  which  I  cannot  recollect 
although  I  listened  with  the  utmost  attention  to  it,  and  was  greatly 
pleased  with  it.  Saw,  among  others,  Mrs.  Jameson  and  Browning. 
Went  to  the  theatre.  Thought  on  Hamlet.  Acted  Hamlet,  as  I 
thought,  in  a  most  real  and  effective  manner.  Was  well  satisfied  with 
myself.  Alexander  Dumas,  with  two  friends,  came  into  my  room  after 
the  play.  Very  much  pleased.  Dumas  told  me  he  had  undertaken  to 
translate  Macbeth,  and  that  Ligier  ^  Avould  come  over  to  consult  me 
about  its  performance.  Talfourd  came — Browning  to  speak  about  his 
play. 

May  8th. — Attended  Carlyle's  lecture,  "The  Hero  as  a  Prophet: 
Mahomet  "  ;  on  which  he  descanted  with  a  fervour  and  eloquence  that 
only  a  conviction  of  truth  could  give.  I  was  charmed,  carried  away 
by  him.  Met  Browning  there.  The  only  point  on  which  I  did  not 
assent  to  the  doctrines  of  Carlyle — for  in  some  instances  he  uttered 
thoughts  that  had  been  brooding  in  my  own  heart,  and  even  found  a 
voice,  particularly  that  of  Mahomet's  instancing  man  himself  as  the 
greatest  miracle — the  point  of  exception  was  in  his  attributing  sincerity 
to  David.  David  might  have  been  sincere  through  all  his  errors  of 
passion  and  the  infirmity  of  a  resisting  power  to  sensual  temptation, 
but  on  his  death-bed  recommended  the  cold-blooded  slaughter,  or 
assassination,  of  Joab — his  faithful  soldier — to  Solomon.  What  can 
excuse  the  dastardly  hypocrisy  of  such  an  act,  and  at  such  a  time  ? 

May  9th. — Talfourd  came  into  my  room.  He  mentioned  the  report 
that  the  valet  of  Lord  W^illiam  Russell  had  confessed  the  murder." 
The  bruit  which  is  made  about  this  poor  old  man's  death  makes  one 
ask  why  was  poor  Mr.  Templeman  permitted  to  die  without  any 
anxiety  on  the  part  of  Prince  Albert  and  Lord  Normanby?  When 
will  the  day  of  humanity's  vindication  arrive  ?  Dickens  came,  and 
we  went  in  his  carriage,  all  three,  to  Babbage's.  The  room  was  very 
much  crowded,  but  I  saw  few  that  I  knew  there — Wheatstone,  Edward 
Kater,  Lady  Stepney,  and  Rogers,  who  invited  Dickens  and  myself  to 
dine  with  him  on  Sunday  fortnight.  Talfourd  left  us  soon  ;  Dickens 
set  me  down. 

^  The  distinguished  tragedian  of  the  Theatre  Frarifois — {jio^e  by  Sir  F.  Polloik). 

2  Benjamin  Courvoisier,  a  Swiss ;  the  trial  as  well  as  the  murder  created  a  great 
sensation,  the  conduct  of  Courvoisier's  counsel,  Mr.  Charles  Phillips,  who  continued  his 
efforts  to  obtain  acquittal  although  aware  of  the  prisoner's  conl^ssion,  being  much 
censured. 

59 


THE   DIARIES   OF  MACREADY  [1840 

Mail  10th. — Forster  came  in  as  we  sat  down  to  dinner.  He  talked 
very  much  of  my  abjuration  of  the  Whigs.  I  abjure  them  as  a  set  of 
heartless,  empirical,  political  scoundrels — in  a  Pickwickian  sense ; 
nothing  personal,  of  course. 

May  11th. — Went  to  theatre.  Rehearsed  Glcncoe,  which  wears  an 
appearance   of   much    promise.     Acted    Claude    Melnotte    fairly ;    was 

called  for.     Miss  said  something  about  striving  to  overcome  her 

fondness  for  me,  and  that  she  thought  I  wished  it.  I  do  wish  it.  For 
I  have  a  sincere  and  strong  regard — an  affectionate  one  for  her,  and 
do  not  wish  it  to  be  endangered  or  interrupted. 

May  12f/i. — Went  to  Carlyle's  lecture  on  Dante  and  Shakspeare. 
Saw  Browning  and  Mrs.  Jameson  there ;  was  disappointed  in  his  treat- 
ment of  the  subject ;  his  comments  were  not  up  to  the  height  of  his 
great  argument.  He  said  little  tliat  was  impressive ;  he  quoted  a 
passage  about  "  histriones  et  nebulones,"  and  spoke  of  managers  of 
playhouses  being  the  most  insignificant  of  human  beings,  Avhich  made 
me  smile,  but  sent  the  blood  into  my  face,  as  I  fancied  the  thoughts 
of  many  present  would  revert  to  myself — but  possibly  they  never 
descended  from  the  subject  to  me. 

May  11th. — Forster  came  to  dinner ;  passed  a  cheerful  day,  but 
Forster  annoyed  me  by  his  absurd  controversial  spirit,  which  he  never 
indulges  without  displaying  the  most  vexatious  casuistry. 

May  18th. — Went  to  the  theatre,  reading  Glcncoe.  Began  the 
rehearsal,  but  only  proceeded  in  it  for  two  scenes,  Messrs.  Warde, 
Phelps,  and  J.  Webster  being  absent.  Mclan  called  to  speak  to  me 
about  the  dress.  Miss  P.  Horton  told  me  that  I  was  the  subject  of 
general  abuse  in  the  green-room,  which  I  can  easily  believe.  I  have 
had  experience  enough  of  players  to  know  that  their  ignorance  and 
their  vanity  combine  to  make  them  a  most  ungrateful  set  of  persons. 

May  Idth. — Went  to  the  theatre,  where  I  found  confusion  and 
uncertainty.  After  some  time  rehearsed  the  fifth  and  first  acts. 
Mclan  was  there,  and  one  would  suppose  the  being  of  his  clan  depended 
on  the  issue  of  this  play.  Dickens  and  Forster  came,  and  thought 
Mr.  Webster  the  best  available  representative  for  Mclan  ;  but  the  play 
is  not  cast  to  its  demand,  and  is  hurried  forward.  God  prosper  it! 
Went  with  Maclise  and  Forster  to  Carlyle's  lecture  on  the  man  of 
letters  as  the  great  man ;  was  very  interested  and  edified.  Read  three 
acts  of  Glencoe. 

May  9,1st. — Went  to  the  theatre  and  remained  there  the  whole 
day.     Dickens  and  Forster  were  at  the  rehearsal,  and  Forster  prompted 

6o 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

me  on  one  occasion,  with  which  I  could  have  well  dispensed.  Dined 
at  the  theatre,  and  was  quite  overcome  with  fatigue.  Read  over  my 
part  of  Halbert  Macdonald.  Webster  came  in,  and  informed  me  that 
Mr.  S.  Knowles  had  been  to  the  box-office,  booked  himself  at  full  length 
for  a  place,  and  told  the  box-keeper  that  he  must  come  and  see  his 
friend  Talfourd's  play;  that  he  knew  it  was  Talfourd's;  that  it  was 
printed,  and  that  Moxon,  who  was  Talfourd's  publisher,  was  his  also ! 
This  man  calls  Talfourd  his  friend,  and  a  good  friend  Talfourd  has 
been  to  him.  He  knows  that  Talfourd  wishes  to  conceal  the  author- 
ship, but  he  does  not  know  how  strong  may  be  his  motives,  nor 
whether  he  may  wish  it  ever  to  he  known  that  he  has  written  it,  and  yet 
he  is  the  man  who  goes  about  to  publish  this  important  secret  of  his 
friend.  Qu.  :  Was  it  not  confided  to  him  under  a  promise  of  secrecy? 
Such  is  Mr.  James  Sheridan  Knowles. 

May  ^^nd. — Called  on  Dickens ;  told  him  of  this  Mr.  Knowles,  etc. 
He  determined  to  go  to  Talfourd  at  once  and  tell  him.  Went  to  the 
theatre  and  carefully  rehearsed  the  play  of  Glencoe.  Dickens  called  to 
tell  me  that  Talfourd  would  write  to  Moxon  immediately  about  the 
breach  of  confidence  in  regard  to  his  play.  Received  a  note  from 
Talfourd,  evidently  much  annoyed  by  the  treachery  of  Moxon  and 
Knowles.  Answered  it,  stating  what  I  wished  to  be  in  his  preface. 
Read  over  my  part  of  Halbert  Macdonald. 

May  23rd. — Thought  over  the  possible  issue  of  to-night  and  what 
I  resolved  to  do,  and  drew  omens  of  good  from  many  incidents  about 
me.  Looked  at  the  newspaper  and  went  to  the  Ha3'market  theatre. 
Rehearsed  the  play  and  returned  home.  Lay  down  to  rest  afterwards. 
Went  to  the  theatre,  and,  in  the  character  of  Halbert  Macdonald 
in  Talfourd's  play  of  Glencoe,  I  did  all  I  could  do — all  that  the 
very  short  period  allowed  for  preparation  allowed  me  to  do.  The 
audience  became  very  fervent,  although  I  felt,  in  the  second  act,  that 
the  persons  in  the  front  were  disposed  to  be  ill-natured.  Was  called 
for  by  the  house,  and,  when  silence  was  obtained,  I  informed  them  that 
I  had  a  little  history  to  relate  concerning  the  play ;  that  it  had  been 
placed  in  my  hands  by  a  friend,  as  the  work  of  a  gentleman  named 
Collinson,  who  had  written  to  me  once,  but  that,  in  entering  on  the 
work,  I  felt  no  more  interest  in  it  than  the  general  anxiety  I  feel  on 
subjects  appertaining  to  dramatic  literature.  I  felt  deeply  as  I  read 
it,  and  I  argued  that  what  had  touched  me  so  nearly  could  not  be 
without  effect  more  generally.  Mr.  W^ebster  accepted  it  unhesitatingly, 
and  it  was  some  time  after  that  1  was  made  acquainted  with  the  real 

6l 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

author,  a  name  which  I  had  pleasure  in  communicating  as  they  would 
have  in  hearing,  being  that  of  one  whose  pen  had  been  invariably  exer- 
cised in  asserting  the  benefit  and  beauty  and  blessing  of  an  earnest 
faith  in  good — it  was  Mr.  Serjeant  Talfourd's.  This  was  greatly 
applauded,  and  I  gave  out  the  play  for  three  nights'  representations 
per  week  till  further  notice.  Talfourd  rushed  into  my  room  to  thank 
me,  and  Dickens,  Maclise,  etc.,  also  came.  Went  to  sup  with  '^Falfourd 
— a  heavy  supper — taking  David  Golden  with  me.  Speech-making  was 
the  order  of  a  dull  evening.^ 

May  24t/i. — Talfourd  and  Dickens  called  for  me  and  we  went 
together  to  Rogers's,  where  we  dined.  Lord  and  Lady  Seymour, 
Mrs.  Norton,  Lady  Dufferin,  Lord  Denman,  Luttrell,  and  Poole,  with 
Miss  Rogers,  were  our  party.  I  was  pleased  with  the  day,  liking  Mrs. 
Norton  very  much,  and  being  much  amused  with  some  anecdotes  of 
Rogers.  His  collection  of  pictures  is  admirable,  and  the  spirit  of 
good  taste  seems  to  pervade  every  nook  of  his  house." 

May  25f/i. — Went  to  the  theatre,  and  found  a  card  of  admission 
from  Miss  Kelly  for  her  ''Little  Theatre,"  and  a  note  from  Mr. 
Archer,  asking  me  not  to  exert  my  influence  to  prevent  his  engagement 
at  the  Haymarket.  Acted  Halbert  Macdonald  better,  I  think,  than  on 
Saturday.  The  performers  in  general  were  languid  and  careless  ;  the 
play  went  very  well ;  I  was  called  for  and  well  received. 

May  9.6th. — Head  called  about  the  alteration  of  my  dress.     He  told 

^  The  next  morning  Macready  received  the  following  note  from  Dickens — 

'■^Devonshire  Tei-race, 

^^  Sunday  Morning,  May  24///. 
"My  dear  Macready, 

"Talfourd  armed  with  his  proposed  preface  will  call  with  his  carriage  first  for  me 
to-day  and  then  for  you.  I  arranged  on  our  joint  behalf  that  we  would  be  ready  for  him 
at  half-past  six.  I  enclose  you  the  letter  he  received  from  Knowles  and  Moxon.  Will  you 
put  them  in  your  pocket  so  that  he  may  have  them  back.  The  messenger  waits  to  know 
how  Mrs.  Macready  is  after  the  anxieties  and  delights  of  last  night.  I  should  think  you 
must  be  rather  the  worse  to-day.  I  have  seen  you  play  ever  since  I  was  that  |  high,  but  I 
never  saw  you  make  such  a  gallant  stand  as  you  did  last  night,  or  carry  anything  through 
so  triumphantly  and  manfully  by  the  force  of  your  own  great  gifts.  If  1  felt  the  agitation 
of  an  anxious  author  yesterday,  I  assure  you  that  I  feel  the  gratitude  and  admiration  of  a 
successful  one  this  morning. 

"Always,  dear  Macready, 
' '  Faithfully  yours, 

"Charles  Dickens. 
"W.  C.  Macready,  Esq." 

*  A  dinner-party  that  included   the  three  Sheridan  sisters,  Dickens,  and  Luttrell,  was 
exceptional  even  at  Rogers'    table. 
62 


1840]  THE  DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

me  that  Madame  Vestris  had  got  a  letter  of  licence  from  her  creditors 
for  two  years !  A  prosperous  mode  of  managing  a  national  theatre. 
Acted  Halbert  Macdonald  as  well  as  I  could,  but  the  play  is  borne 
down  by  the  bad  acting — Howe,  Phelps,  and  Mrs.  Warner — Mr. 
Webster  also.  Talked  after  the  play  with  Helen  Faucit  about  the 
languid  manner  in  which  she  has  acted  the  last  two  nights. 

May  ^Tith. — Looked  at  the  paper,  in  which  I  saw  that  the  bishops — 
those  good,  religious,  charitable,  meek  and  Christian  men,  those 
patterns  of  humanity,  those  apostles  of  truth,  who  make  men  almost 
feel  assured  there  must  he  hell — had,  with  the  exception  of  one  qualify- 
ing voice,  the  Bishop  of  Norwich,  risen  up  against  the  idea  of  any 
modification  of  the  Christian  expressions  and  simple  piety — the  clear 
and  intelligible  profession  of  faith — contained  in  the  Prayer  Book  of 
the  Church  of  England !  The  Commons  have  on  the  same  night 
refused  to  entertain  the  question  of  modifying  the  Corn  Laws.  It  is 
all  right,  according  to  the  Duke  of  Buckingham,  who  thinks  nine 
shillings  per  week  enough  for  a  labourer  and  his  family,  and  the  Arch- 
bishop of  Canterbury,  who  thinks  that  actually  a  king — George  IV,  for 
instance — can  do  no  wrong!  Spoke  to  Helen  Faucit,  and  assured  her 
on  the  subject  of  her  improvement. 

May  28t/i. — Read  Glencoe  in  the  afternoon,  and  went  to  the  theatre. 
Acted  Halbert  Macdonald,  I  think,  better  than  I  had  before  done ;  was 
called  for,  and  well  received.  Forster  came  into  my  room  and  told  me 
that  Bulwer  was  unwell,  which  I  was  very  sorry  to  hear.  Found  Mrs. 
Reynolds  at  home ;  heard  that  my  statement  about  the  play  of  Glencoe 
was  doubted,  as  I  must  have  known  Talfourd's  writing  :  gave  her  the 
original  printed  copy  1  had  received.  Heard  of  Leigh  Hunt's  distress, 
and  of  his  consequently  seeking  neglected  friends. 

May  80t/i. — Acted  Halbert  Macdonald  with  much  feeling  and  pre- 
cision. I  heard  Vestris  was  in  the  theatre,  and  saw  her  applauding 
vehemently.  Has  she  discovered  that  a  theatre  cannot  be  conducted 
without  actors  ?  or  does  this  mean  anything  ?  Was  called  for  by  the 
audience  and  very  warmly  received.  A  note  from  Talfourd.  Forster 
and  Maclise  came  again  to  my  room. 

May  21st. — I  called  on  Lady  Blessington,  and  chatted  some  time 
with  her  and  D'Orsay ;  they  wished  me  to  go  in  the  evening.  We  went 
on  to  the  Carlyles'  and  sat  half-an-hour  with  Mrs.  Carlyle.  I  was  late 
home,  and  late  at  Talfourd's,  where  I  dined,  meeting  Serjeant  Goul- 
burn,  John  M.  O'Connell,  Serle  and  Forster.  A  very  bad  dinner,  and 
very  uninteresting  day.     Went  to  Lady  Blessington 's,  where  I  saw  the 

63 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

Fonblanques,  Lords  Nonnanby  and  Canterbury,  Milnes,  Chorley, 
Standish,  Rubini,  Stuart  Wortley,  an  Italian — Count  something,  Mr. 
Palgrave  Simpson,^  and  Liszt,  the  most  marvellous  pianist  I  ever  heard. 
I  do  not  know  when  I  have  been  so  excited. 

June  2/Jc/. — Acted  Halbert  Macdonald  indifferently  ;  was  called  for 
and  well  received.  Spoke  to  dear  Helen  Faucit  about  her  languor  in 
acting  ;  siie  did  not  seem  to  meet  my  objections  with  the  strength  of 
mind  and  good  sense  that  I  had  anticipated.  She  was  much  depressed. 
I  am  much  concerned  about  her.  Miss  Horton  had  told  me,  in  refer- 
ence to  Mr.  C.  Kean,  that  she  thought  there  was  none  like  myself.  I 
wish  the  public  would  think  so ;  but  it  is  pleasant  to  see  oneself  loved, 
if  only  by  a  few  individuals. 

June  6th. — Saw  dear,  dear  old  Elstree ;  looked  over  with  the  clerk 
the  fixtures,  etc.  Spoke  to  Mr.  Wilson  on  business ;  left  directions 
with  Mrs.  East ;  saw  dear  old  Norma,  and,  under  the  faint  silver  of  the 
afternoon's  moon,  bade  my  last  adieu  to  the  scene  of  many,  many  joys, 
of  many  tender  and  fond  associations.  May  God  bless  me  where  I  now 
live  or  may  hereafter  live  or  die !  Found  Forster  at  home,  who  dined 
with  us.  Attended  to  the  hanging  of  the  pictures  in  dining-room. 
Read  "Hope  on,  hope  ever,''  which  wrung  my  very  heart.  God  bless 
the  writer !  Mr.  Stuart  Wortley  called,  and  I  gave  him  to  understand 
that  it  was  hopeless  to  think  of  getting  Mr.  Webster  to  produce  Lady 
E.'s  play. 

June  ISth. — Saw  in  the  Literary  Gazette  extracts  from  that 
wretched  and  base  fellow's  book — Mr.  Bunn,  which  is  reported  to  be 
full  of  personalities,  but  the  specimens  quoted  are  very  dull  and,  as 
might  be  expected,  written  very  ambitiously  in  very  bad  English. 
Rested  and  went  to  the  theatre,  where  I  heard  that  Madame  Vestris's 
liabilities  were  for  £14,000 ! 

June  llth. — After  dinner  tried — another  attempt — utterly  des- 
perate— on  Sordello ;  it  is  not  readable. 

June  21.st. — Looked  at  paper ;  grieved  and  ashamed  to  see  the 
courtly — I  must  say  drivelling  tone  of  subserviency  that  the  once  proud 
defender  of  humanity's  rights  now  takes  upon  all  that  is  courtly.  Is 
this  Fonblanque? 

June  ^Urd. — Wrote  to  Bessy  Robinson,  the  poor  woman  with  whom 
I  had  lodged  at  Newcastle  when  I  was  sixteen  years  old,  thirty-one 
years  ago.  What  ages  of  suffering,  of  passion,  of  doubt  and  fear  have 
I  since  then  endured !     Would  I  live  it  over  again  ?     No.     How  truly 

^  John  Palgrave  Simp^^on  (1807   1857) ;  the  well-known  dramatist  and  amateur  actor. 

64 


1840]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

do  I  feel  in  answering  that  question  what  I  have  often  disputed  before, 
that  "Joy's  recollection  is  no  longer  joy,  But  sorrow's  memory  is  a 
sorrow  still."  I  sent  her  £3,  for  auld  lang  syne;  poor  thing,  she  was 
always  needy.  Looked  at  Timon  of  Athens,  but  it  is  (for  the  stage) 
only  an  incident  with  comments  on  it.  The  story  is  not  complete 
enough — not  furnished,  I  ought  to  say — with  the  requisite  varieties 
of  passion  for  a  play ;  it  is  heavy  and  monotonous.  Received  a  note 
and  presentation  copy  of  Glencoe  from  Talfourd. 

June  Mth. — Met  Charles  Phillips,  who  talked  about  Courvoisier, 
and  seemed  painfully  anxious  to  maJce  out  his  own  case  to  Edward  and 
myself.  He  said  that  the  statements  of  Courvoisier's  confession  were 
true ;  that  when  he  heard  of  Madame  Piolaine  he  said,  "  It's  all  up  ; 
I  did  the  deed  "  ;  that  he,  Phillips,  upbraided  him  for  telling  him  so 
much,  and  that  Courvoisier  said  his  life  was  in  his  hands,  and  he  trusted 
to  him  to  do  his  best  for  him  ;  that  he,  C.  Phillips,^  asked  the  opinion 
of  an  eminent  person  in  Court,  who  said  he  ought  to  go  on.  That  the 
judges  said  he  did  only  what  was  right.  He  said  that  Courvoisier 
admitted  the  perfect  truth  of  the  woman's  evidence,  but  that  the  police 
were  perjured;  that  they  did  not  search  him  on  the  Wednesday  as  they 
said,  for  he  had  then  about  him  the  gold  watch  of  Lord  W.  Russell ! 
He  said  he  was  snoring  when  he  killed  him,  that  he  was  dead  in  a 
minute,  merely  making  a  slight  movement  of  his  hand. 

June  ^5th. — Read  the  paper.  Holloway  called  with  some  most 
beautiful  engravings,   which  I  could  scarcely  resist  at  the  enormous 

1  Phillips  was  in  an  extremely  difficult  position,  but  he  evidently  acted  with  a  great 
want  of  judgment.  Serjeant  Ballantine  in  his  Experiences,  gives  the  following  view  of  the 
situation  :  "  He  was  bound  to  continue  the  defence  ;  although,  no  doubt,  his  mode  of 
conducting  it  could  not  but  be  materially  aftected  by  the  new  circumstances.  Mr.  Phillips, 
however,  adopted  a  line  that  was  wholly  inexcusable.  He  sought  an  interview  with  Mr. 
Baron  Parke— who,  it  must  be  remembered,  although  not  the  presiding  judge,  was  assisting 
at  the  trial — communicated  to  him  the  confession  of  his  client,  and  asktd  his  advice.  It  is 
probable  that  if  Baron  Parke  had  not  been  taken  by  surprise  he  would  have  declined  to 
express  any  opinion.  I  happen,  however,  to  know  that  having  learnt  that  the  prisoner  did 
not  intend  to  relieve  his  counsel  from  the  defence,  the  learned  Baron  said  that,  of  course,  he 
must  go  on  with  it.  And  if  he  gave  any  advice  at  all  this  was  the  only  advice  he  could  give, 
and  it  ought  to  have  been  patent  to  the  inquirer ;  certainly  no  censure  can  be  too  severe 
upon  the  conduct  of  Phillips,  who,  when  assailed  for  the  management  of  his  case,  violated 
the  confidence  that  his  interview  with  Baron  Parke  demanded,  and  endeavoured  to  excuse 
himself  by  saying  he  had  acted  under  that  learned  judge's  advice."  The  Serjeant  further 
remarks  that  such  expressions  as  "  Supposing  him  to  be  guilty  of  the  murder,  which  is  known 
to  Almighty  God  alone,"  and  "  I  hope  for  the  sake  of  his  eternal  soul  that  he  is  innocent," 
proceeding  "from  the  mouth  of  an  advocate  possessing  the  knowledge  that  Piiillips  did  at 
the  time  he  used  them,  were  not  only  offensive  to  good  taste,  but  scarcely  escaped  conveying 
a  positive  falsehood." 

VOL.  II.  F  ^^ 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

prices  they  were  charged.  I  bought  some  of  the  lower-priced  ones. 
I  must  put  a  stop  to  any  further  purchases  if  I  wish  to  secure  my  inde- 
pendence and  my  children's  comfort.  I  iJi'ill  stop  here  with  the  order 
I  have  given.     A  note,  with  a  small  bouquet  for  my  character,  from 

.     It  was  short,  but  it  read  as  if  the  words  in  it  could  not  be 

repressed.  It  is  well  for  the  censorious  to  exclaim  and  declaim  against 
the  profligacy  of  persons  on  the  stage,  but  I  am  sure  no  persons  are 
exposed  to  such  temptation,  and  the  wonder  is  that,  with  the  provoca- 
tion of  so  much  excitement  and  so  much  opportunity,  the  tendency  of 
our  nature  is  repressed  even  as  it  is. 

Ju7ie  ^6th. — Thought  much  on  the  subject  of  .     Concluded 

that  I  must  explain  to  her  the  dangers  that  beset  her  in  cherishing 
feelings  which  cannot  be  indulged  without  all  the  pain  of  apprehension, 
of  consciousness,  of  self-reproach.  There  is  certainly  no  blessing  in 
this  world  equal  to  a  pure  conscience.  How  strange  it  is,  after  the 
dreadful  danger  she  has  so  narrowly,  it  may  almost  be  said,  so  miracu- 
lously escaped,  that  she  should  not  see  the  necessity,  the  vital  need 
there  is  for  the  extinction  of  every  thought  of  fondness,  and  a  rigid 
self-questioning  upon  every  emotion  that  she  is  conscious  of !  I  must 
prevent  her  lapsing  into  danger,  but  I  fear — and  I  shall  grieve  if  it 
be  so — that  I  cannot  hold  possession  of  her  friendship  if  I  discourage 
her  love. 

June  Tith. — A  son  born.^ 

June  9.9th. — Looked  at  the  paper.  I  am  glad  that  this  trial  of 
Courvoisier  has  brought  the  question  of  the  licence  assumed  by  counsel 
into  public  notice.  Continued  the  reading  of  Marino  Faliero.  Saw 
Danby's  picture  of  The  Deluge.  It  almost  made  me  weep,  and  made 
one  say  to  the  statement  that  God  destroyed  the  icorld  and  mankind 
for  its  sins — He  did  not.  Who  shall  dare  to  ascribe  motives  to  the 
effect  of  general  laws,  acting  through  means  of  partial  ill  to  universal 
good?  The  Bishops,  Priests  and  Deacons.  But  not  the  mind  of  man, 
nor  the  heart  of  man,  that  adores  the  Creator  of  itself  and  all  its 
blessings.  The  picture,  which  is  grandly  conceived  and  executed  in 
the  completeness  of  its  details  with  wonderful  felicity,  is  unfortunate 
in  a  too  strong  light,  the  cause  of  which  is  not  clearly  made  out.  It 
wants  Poussin's  tone  I 

June  SOth.— Acted  Halbert  Macdonald  fairly;  was  called  for  and 
well  received  by  the  audience.  Spoke  to  Miss  P.  Horton  about  her 
engagement ;  whilst  she  was  with  me,  Talfourd  and  a  friend  came  in. 

*  Walter  Francis  Shell,  died  P^ebruary  8,  1853— (;w/^  i>y  Sir  /•'.  rollcck). 

66 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

He  was  going  down  to  the  House  of  Commons,  but  had  been  to  see 
the  play  with  Mr.  Justice  Maule/  who  sent  word  that  he  had  been 
delighted.  A  very  humorous  card  of  inquiry  from  Dickens,  Maclise 
and  Forster. 

July  ^nd. — Spoke  with  on  the  subject  of  her  attachment  to 

me.  She  is  truly  amiable.  In  explaining  to  her  that  my  motive  in 
seeking  to  occupy  and  engross  her  mind  was  to  weaken  the  strength  of 
that  affection  which  had  excited  so  much  apprehension  in  my  breast 
for  her  happiness  and  health  and  divert  her  thoughts,  I  went  fully  into 
the  description  of  the  course  of  study  and  artistical  discipline  which 
she  should  undertake,  and  particularly  urged  upon  her  the  distress  it 
occasioned  me  to  think  that  she  was,  as  it  were,  widowing  her  heart,  in 
its  youth  and  freshness  and  fulness  of  feeling,  by  allowing  it  to  dwell 
upon  one  object,  whose  rare  opportunities  of  enjoying  her  society 
afforded  him  no  power  of  recompensing  her  tenderness ;  at  the  same 
time  assuring  her  how  truly  and  devotedly  I  was  her  friend,  how 
firmly  I  was  bound  to  her  interests  and  the  care  for  her  happiness 
by  the  very  persons  whose  persecutions  had  sought  to  make  my 
regard  destructive  to  her.  She  said  she  could  not,  as  I  wished,  and 
as  her  friends  wished,  think  of  any  person  as  a  husband  (on  which 
I  remonstrated),  that  she  feared  I  blamed  her,  and  that  she  would  try 
to  do  what  was  right.  She  told  me  of  her  family — so  wearing,  so 
sordid,  so  vulgar,  so  cruel  as  they  are.  I  hope  she  may  leave  them. 
She  was  to  tell  me  hereafter  what  conclusion  she  would  come  to.     Spoke 

again  with ,  who  could  not  bring  herself  at  present  to  entertain 

the  thought  of  any  connection,  as  unjust  to  some  one  who  might  trust 
her,  and  distressingly  painful  to  herself.  But  she  would  try  to  do 
all  I  wished.  She  feared  I  might  not  respect  her,  and  could  not  bear 
the  idea  of  altering  my  present  demeanour  or  feeling  towards  her.  I 
assured  her,  if  that  would  tend  to  give  peace  to  her  heart,  that  whilst 
I  had  life,  she  might  regard  my  devoted  friendship  and  affectionate 
care  for  her  as  unalterable.  She  left  me  in  a  more  cheerful  state  of 
mind,  and  I  trust  in  God  will  be  happy.  Amen  !  ...  In  my  conversa- 
tion with  ,  expatiating  upon  the  hopelessness  of  her  affections  so 

bestowed,  I  observed  that  I  was  now  advancing  into  age,  to  which  she 
answered:   "Ah!   your  mind  must  always  be  young." 

July  Qrd. — After  dinner  read  the  number  of  Master  Humphrey's 

1  William  Henry  Maule  (i 788-1 858) ;  Senior  Wrangler.  Justice  of  the  Court  of  Common 
Picas.  One  of  the  ablest  judges  of  the  nineteenth  centui7  ;  noted  for  his  sardonic  humour, 
to  which  he  frequently  gave  expression  on  the  Bench, 

F   2  67 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

ClocJc — very  humorous — wonderful  Dickens !  He  had  told  me,  as  I 
left  his  house,  that  he  should  now  stick  to  the  single  story. 

July  Mh. — Gave  lessons  to  Willie  and  Katy ;  looked  at  the  paper, 
in  which  was  a  review  of  Mr.  Bunn's  book.  There  is  nothing,  it 
appears,  so  low,  so  vile,  so  degraded — regarding  it  either  as  respects 
honour  or  common  morality — that  reaches  a  level  which  the  sympathies 
of  the  gentlemen  of  the  Press  cannot  descend  to.  I  certainly  agree 
with  Edward  in  his  opinion  that  the  extremity  of  blackguardism  is  kept 
possession  of  in  the  most  intrepid  manner  by  the  gentlemen  of  the 
Press ;  it  is  their  stronghold,  and  certainly  impregnable  to  every  remon- 
strance of  decency  or  prayer  of  virtue  and  honour.  What  especial 
nook  of  filth  and  torment  would  Dante  have  assigned  these  vermin  if  a 
journal  had  been  contemporary  with  the  Inferno  ?  Looked  at 
Godolphin,  and  thought  the  pages  I  read  very  powerful  and  beautiful. 
Bulwer,  its  author,  is,  of  course,  vilified  by  the  Press. 

July  5th. — Saw  the  Athenseum's  review  of  that  bad  man's  book  ;  it 
is  treated  according  to  its  desert,  though  no  justice  is  done  to  the 
character  of  the  man,  for  it  is  only  from  his  oivn  account  of  himself 
that  he  is  condemned.  Miss  P.  Horton  came  to  dinner.  Miss  Horton 
sang  several  airs,  but  wants  cultivation.  She  told  me  some  stories  of 
the  impertinence  of  some  of  the  actors  in  the  green-room  ;  among  the 
rest,  of  Mr.  Kean,  which  I  have  no  wish  to  hear,  and  which  I  had 
rather  she  kept  to  herself. 

July  6th. — The  uncertainty  of  my  condition,  my  limited  means,  and 
the  large  outgoings  for  the  furnishing  of  this  house  pressed  on  me  like 
a  nightmare.  I  could  not  sleep — all  attempts  were  vain ;  I  was  fevered, 
and  in  the  most  wretched  and  gloomy  state  of  mind.  It  seemed  to  me 
presumptuous  to  furnish  my  house  as  I  had  done,  and  it  occurred  to 
me  that  I  had  only  incurred  the  ridicule  and  sarcasm  of  my  acquaint- 
ance. The  thought  of  the  effect  of  an  illness  upon  my  resources  and  the 
condition  of  my  seven  beloved  children  excited  me  in  a  most  miserable 
way.  I  had  resolved  in  my  mind  not  to  send  any  cards  for  dinners. 
I  thought  of  how  I  could  save  more  money.  I  rose  and  looked  out 
upon  the  clear  grey  morning,  the  moon  just  extinguishing  the  useless 
lamps.  I  made  a  vow  to  Heaven,  as  I  said  my  prayers,  to  do  nothing 
hereafter  from  vainglory,  but  to  live  for  my  blessed  children  only. 

July  dth. — Saw  .     Her  spirits  were  very  much  depressed;  it 

seemed  to  have  been  the  effect  of  the  struggle  she  is  making  (in  the 
sweetest  and  noblest  spirit  of  self-denial  and  infliction)  to  overmaster 
the  tenderness  and  absorbing  passion  which  swells  her  too  susceptible 
68 


1840]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

heart  almost  to  bursting.  I  could  offer  only  the  comfort  of  that 
promise  of  content  and  peace,  which  the  consciousness  of  having  done 
what  we  think  right  is  sure  to  realize.  It  was  a  most  distressing  inter- 
view. She  told  me  she  wished  to  do  what  she  ought  at  the  sacrifice 
of  feeling  and  at  any  cost.  I  assured  her  that  I  could  not,  and  would 
not  for  the  world,  for  any  consideration,  seek  to  alter  such  a  resolu- 
tion ;  that  it  was  right,  and  was  in  her  most  sweet  and  amiable  and 
honourable  to  think  so.  It  was  a  bitter,  a  most  afflicting  scene.  She 
felt  as  if  she  was  parting  for  ever  from  me,  and  seemed  as  if  she  could 
not  tear  herself  away.  I  behaved  xoeJl ;  I  felt  for  her ;  I  felt  myself 
that  she  was  really  dear  to  me — she  is  so,  and  I  never  will  forgo  the 
affectionate  interest  I  take  in  her  welfare;  dear,  dear,  good  girl.  Her 
whole  heart  in  all  its  freshness  had  been  given  up  to  me,  and  it  was 
a  cruel  necessity  that  thus  had  made  her  strive  to  tear  it  away.  I 
could  not,  as  I  told  her — I  dared  not,  interpose  the  hint  of  a  wish,  or 
a  thought,  between  herself  and  the  course  she  saw  herself  obliged  to 
take ;  but  it  wrung  my  very  soul  to  witness  the  agony  it  cost  her. 
She  is  indeed  a  good — a  good  and  most  amiable  girl.  She  had  not 
known  how  deeply  her  affections  were  engaged  until  her  illness,  when 
she  felt  that  her  love  was  all  she  had  to  live  for.  May  God  Almighty 
restore  her  dear  heart  to  tranquillity,  and  bless  it  with  one  that  can 
recompense  her  as  she  merits.  God  Almighty  bless  her !  I  took  one 
little  remembrance  from  her,  which  will  be  always  precious  to  me.  I 
kissed  her  forehead — and  no  more.  Our  parting  was  really  terrible. 
She  takes  with  her  my  affectionate  respect,  and  all  the  love  that  with 
due  regard  to  her  honour  I  can  bear  her  she  shall  have,  while  I  can 
feel  or  think.  Again  and  again  God  bless  her !  Amen !  i\Iy  spirits 
were  and  are  wretchedly  low.  I  do  not  think  with  the  world,  though 
I  conform  to  its  requisitions.  I  suppose  they  are,  in  the  main,  right. 
I  will  not  reason  it. 

July  10th. — Felt  so  utterly  weighed  down  in  spirit — so  dejected — 
so  prostrated  by  the  painful  thoughts  which  had  disturbed  me  in  the 

night,  upon  the  interview  of  the  foregone  evening — poor  dear  . 

It  is  very  sad  to  think  of  her,  and  her  sweet  mode  of  binding  up  her 

resolution  to  do  right.     God  bless  her !     Wrote  a  note  to  dear , 

to  sustain  and  comfort  her.  Mr.  Fox,  INIiss  Flower,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Adams,  Greaves,  and  Forster  came  to  dine  with  us — a  pleasant  day. 
Mrs.  Adams  sang  her  scenas  in  the  evening — in  a  style  as  regards 
expression,  pathos,  and  power  unsurpassed  (I  question  if  equalled)  by 
any  singer  I  ever  heard.     Went  in  the  evening  to  Fonblanque's.     Saw 

69 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

the  Jenkins,  Gurwoods,  Fitzgeralds,  Chorley,  Chitty,  Lovers,  Lord 
Segrave,  Wombwell,  Lords  Lansdowne  and  Normanby,  Lady  Morgan, 
Ayrton,  Poole — several  others  unknown  to  me,  but  knowing  me. 

July  11th. — Looked  at  the  paper,  and  was  pleased  to  see  the  good 
sense  of  the  jury  who  tried  Oxford/  Read  the  paper  of  Hiimphrey^a 
Clock,  which  was  most  beautiful.  Received  an  answer,  a  most  touching 
one,  from  my  dear  friend ;  it  cuts  my  heart  to  think  of  her  unmerited 
sufferings,  and  to  see  how  she  bears  them.  God  bless  her.  Acted 
Ilalbert  Macdonald  very  fairly ;  was  called  for  and  well  received. 

July  18t/i. — My  darling  little  Joan  came  among  ray  other  blessed 
children  to  announce  her  birthday,  and  received  my  congratulatory 
kiss  and  blessing.  The  dear  child  !  May  the  Good  and  Almighty  God 
shower  down  his  choicest  blessings  upon  her,  causing  her  mind  to  grow 
in  wisdom  and  in  virtue,  and  strengthening  her  body  in  the  beauty  of 
health.  Finished  my  note — or  lecture  on  acting — to  Helen  Faucit. 
Wrote  to  Etty.  Gave  the  dear  children  their  Birthday  dinner  :  little 
Joan  receiving  her  toys.  Forster  called ;  Mrs.  Dickens  had  been  here. 
I  walked  in  the  Park  with  Forster ;  he  told  me  of  the  plot  of  Bulwer's 
projected  comedy,^  which  pleased  me.     He  dined  with  us. 

July  14t/^. — Browning  called,  and  Mrs.  Dickens.  Sat  talking  with 
Edward,  who  had  seen  the  book  of  that  bad  man,  Bunn.     A  note  from 

dear  in  very  low  spirits.     Acted  Jaques  moderately.     Talfourd 

came  in  and  spoke  about  Glcncoe,  also  about  Mr.  C.  Kean's  Macbeth, 
which  he  declared  to  be  irredeemably  bad. 

July  15th. — Was  detained   a  very  long  time  in  endeavouring  to 

tinker  together  a  few  lines  in  verse  for  dear 's  album.     My  muse 

is  cold — she  never  had  much  vitality. 

July  16th. — Remonstrated  with upon  the  unreasonable  course 

she  had  adopted  of  subduing  her  attachment  by  goading,  and  racking 
and  prostrating  herself  mentally  and  physically  with  incessant  self- 
accusations  ;  that  so  long  as  she  had  confidence  and  security  in  me 
(knowing  that  I  would  not  take  advantage  of  her  for  the  world),  and 
had  reliance  on  the  strength  and  purity  of  her  own  intentions,  that 
it  was  unreasonable  to  waste  her  heart  and  health  in  frettings  and 
self-reproach  ;  that  she  should  preserve  her  resolutions,  and  use  her 
reason  calmly  and  clearly,  and  with  time  might  change  her  affection 
to  an  ardent  friendship  which  I  hoped  would  never  diminish  ;  that  she 

*  The  pot-boy  \vho  fired  at  Queen  Victoria.      He  was  found  not  guilty  on  the  ground  of 
insanity. 

*  Money. 

70 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

should  give  her  mind  a  pursuit,  as  the  best  way  to  achieve  the  object 
in  view,  and  the  best  was  her  art.  I  parted  from  her  (thank  God) 
cheerfully.  Saw  Willmott  and  Forster.  Willmott  said  they  hissed 
Mr.  C.  Kean  frequently — that  his  performance  was  execrable. 

July  11th. — Went  down  to  the  Haymarket  to  see  Macbeth.  Mr. 
C.  Kean  was  really  so  bad — so  idealless,  made  up  of  long  pause,  whim- 
pering, rant,  and  the  falsest  system  of  intonation,  all  built  up  on  the 
most  offensive  imitation  of  his  father's  worst  habits  and  tricks,  that  I 
could  not  stay  beyond  the  second  act.  Mrs.  Warner  seemed  noble 
and  Mr.  Phelps  fresh  and  vigorous  beside  such  acting. 

July  21st. — Noticed  the  increase  of  crime  in  the  indifference  to 
human  life,  which  seems  to  have  prevailed  more  as  pugilism  has  fallen 
into  disuse.  Went  to  theatre.  Began  to  act  Jaques  very  fairly,  but 
was  thrown  off  my  balance  by  a  man  in  the  gallery  vociferating  :  "  What 
do  you  go  on  for,  spoiling  Shakspeare,"  etc.  I  caught  no  more, 
for  the  audience  were  roused  and  he  was  turned  out.  But  he  was 
right  in  judgment,  however  barbarous  and  ungentlemanly  his  method 
of  giving  publicity  to  it.  I  ought  not  to  have  resumed  those  speeches, 
which  I  always  censured  as  so  misappropriated,  and  which  I  restored 
to  the  First  Lord  when  I  was  in  Covent  Garden.  It  made  me  low- 
spirited  and  ill-humoured  for  a  time. 

July  9nth. — I  made  the  best  of  my  way  to  Brompton  and  called  on 
Mrs.  Braysher  to  meet  Miss  Helen  Faucit  there  by  appointment.  Mrs. 
Braysher  sat  some  little  time  with  us  and  left  us,  observing  that  she 
understood  my  call  was  one  of  business.  I  entered  unreservedly  into 
the  examination  of  H.  Faucit's  defects  in  acting,  and  pointed  out  to 
her  the  remedies.  I  gave  her  a  lecture  of  more  than  two  hours,  chiefly 
on  the  characters  of  Rosalind  and  Lady  Townley.  She  seemed  very 
sensible  of  the  truth  of  what  I  urged,  and  appeared  very  grateful. 

July  ^dth. — Saw  in  the  paper  the  announcement  of  Lord  Durham's 
death. ^  It  was  no  surprise  to  me.  A  striking  instance  he  was  of 
opportunity  not  being  all  in  all  for  a  man.     How  many  men  would 

^  At  the  age  of  forty-eight.  Arrogance  and  egotism,  coupled  with  a  lack  of  sound 
judgment,  had  much  impaired  the  usefulness  of  Lord  Durham's  undoubted  abilities.  His 
pretensions  were  quite  disproportionate  to  his  political  status,  and  they  rendered  him  as  a 
colleague  only  one  degree  less  intolerable  than  Brougham.  A  professed  democrat,  he  never 
rested  till  he  had  secured  ennoblement  first  as  a  baron,  then  as  an  earl,  an  example  by 
which  modern  poiiticians  of  his  school  have  not  failed  to  profit.  His  friends  predicted  for 
him  a  brilliant  future,  but  he  was  too  much  bent  on  aggrandisement  to  achieve  greatness.  Ii 
he  had  lived  he  would  probably  have  shared  the  fate  of  Brougham,  though  not  without 
the  solatium  of  an  additional  step  in  the  peerage. 

71 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

h&\e  made  themselves  great  through  all  time  by  such  an  opportunity 
as  that  man  enjoyed.  But  he  had  not  the  qualities  of  a  great  man; 
he  had  a  little  splenetic  soul.  His  views  were  not  large — his  soul  was 
not  great — he  looked  too  much  on  that  "least  of  nature's  works," 
himself ;  his  eye  was  not  filled  with  the  work  he  had  to  do  and  with 
the  splendour  of  the  distant  reward. 

July  Slst. — Browning  called  and  gave  me  his  play,  which  does  not 
look  ■well. 

August  2nd. — Read  the  Examiner y  which  now  openly  abandons  its 
republican  predilections,  and  is  avowedly  a  Ministerial — i.  e.  un- 
charactered — paper.  Forster  called  to  take  me  with  him  to  Bulwer's. 
Saw  tlie  Duke  of  Wellington,  looking  very  Avell.  Heard  from  Forster 
the  news  of  Dr.  Lardner's  trial  for  crim.  con.  and  that  he  was  cast 
in  £8000  damages.  In  the  disgusting  state  of  the  administration 
of  justice  in  this  country,  it  is  another  instance  to  make  one  ask  where 
is  the  standard  by  which  the  crimes  and  qualities  of  men  are  measured  ? 
He  may  say  of  those  who  tried  him:  "'I  am  not  innocent,  but  are 
these  guiltless?  "  Found  Buhver  not  well — looking  weak  and  shaken  ; 
he  was  cheerful,  and  the  place.  Craven  Cottage,^  with  its  beautiful 
rooms,  its  well-arranged  grounds,  and  the  animating  view  of  the 
Thames,  was  enough  to  soothe  the  lowest  spirits.  We  talked  about 
his  comedy,  of  which  he  read  some  scenes,  and  I  agreed  to  think  them 
over.  He  also  spoke  of  a  novel  on  which  he  was  employed.  I  passed 
a  very  agreeable  day  with  him,  and  returned  with  Forster. 

August  3rd. — A  young  man,  a  Mr.  ,  called,  and,  explaining 

to  him  the  distress  and  difficulty  and  disrepute  attending  a  life  spent 
on  the  stage,  I  induced  him  to  promise  me  that  he  would  abandon  the 
idea,  and,  returning  to  his  fealty  to  his  father,  would  resume  the 
occupation  of  a  merchant,  as  he  wished.  Read  Browning's  play,^  and 
with  the  deepest  concern  I  yield  to  the  belief  that  he  will  never  write 
again — to  any  purpose.  I  fear  his  intellect  is  not  quite  clear.  I  do 
not  know  how  to  write  to  Browning. 

August  6th. — Want  of  good  arrangement  occasioned  an  embarras 
with  the  voituriers,  and  the  whole  party,  destined  for  Broadstairs,  after 
being  packed  in  the  carriages,  turned  out,  and  rather  than  submit  to 
imposition  deferred  their  journey  till  to-morrow.  Looked  at  the  news- 
paper. Saw  in  it  a  special  advertisement  from  the  box-keeper  of  the 
''popular  character  of  Mr.  C.  Keaji  "  Macbeth.  I  was  annoyed  in 
some  measure  by  this  impertinence;  but  quackery  is  this  person's  trade. 

'  At  Fulham.  ^  The  Ke/urn  of  the  Druses. 

72 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

August  7t/^. — Looked  at  the  paper,  and  then  sat  down  to  read  for 
a  subject  to  suggest  to  Buhver.  Read  very  carefully  througli  Voltaire's 
Naninc,  which  I  like  very  much ;  and  afterwards  Goldoni's  Pamela. 
Deliberated  long  and  made  notes  upon  a  subject  for  Bulwer  to  write 
upon.  Had  to  attend  to  some  business  of  the  house.  Bulwer  and 
Forster  came  to  dinner.  After  dinner  Ave  discussed  at  great  length 
the  subject  I  had  thought  upon ;  indeed,  we  gave  the  whole  evening 
to  it. 

August  Sth. — Read  the  account  of  that  most  silly  but  serious  piece 
of  vanity — the  expedition  of  Louis  Napoleon  to  Boulogne  ^ — the  fool ! 
Acted  Oakley  miserably.  I  was  quite  knocked  down  by  the  house — I 
never  saw  so  bad  a  one  in  London — I  icas  not  received!  I  could  not 
bear  up  against  it. 

August  Qth. — My  thoughts  have  been  uneasy  and  I  have  suffered 
much  from  them.  The  position  in  which  I  find  myself  professionally 
has  much  distressed  me.  The  house  last  night  was  humiliating — the 
charm  of  my  name,  as  an  attraction,  seems  broken  up  ;  my  Haymarket 
income  is  trembling.  This,  I  perceive  (my  vexation  being  now  subdued 
and  my  cool  insight  into  things  having  become  more  clear),  results 
from  the  want  of  nice  calculation  in  myself  as  much  as  in  the  inertness 
and  incapacity  of  the  manager.  To  waste  time  and  mind  in  anger  is 
absurd.  Being  more  cheerful  from  the  view  I  take  of  the  state  of 
affairs  (which  is  very  bad)  I  will  do  my  best  to  repair  them,  and  if  I 
am  successful,  I  shall  profit  by  the  lesson ;  if  not  so,  I  have  at  least 
done  my  best  under  the  circumstances. 

August  IWi. — Browning  called,  and  walked  out  with  me  on  my 
way  to  the  theatre.  As  he  accompanied  me  he  talked  of  his  play  and 
of  Sordello,  and  I  most  honestly  told  him  my  opinion  on  both,  express- 
ing myself  most  anxious,  as  I  am,  that  he  should  justify  the  expecta- 
tions formed  of  him,  but  that  he  could  not  do  so  by  placing  himself 
in  opposition  to  the  world.  He  wished  me  to  have  his  play  done  for 
nothing.  I  explained  to  him  that  Mr.  Webster  would  not  do  it ;  we 
talked  to  the  Haymarket,  and  in  parting  I  promised  to  read  it  again. 
Forster  called  and  read  me  a  letter  from  Bulwer,  who  has  already 
written  one-third  of  the  comedy.  His  expedition  is  wonderful !  Went 
to  theatre.  Acted  Jaques  fairly.  Watched  one  scene  of  Miss  Faucit's 
Rosalind,  which  is  not  humorous  and  joyous  enough. 

August  ISth. — Went  to  theatre.  Acted  Claude  Melnotte  tolerably 
well ;  began  with  great  spirit,  but  had  a  dull,  ignorant,  and  apathetic 
^  The  historic  "tame  eagle"  expedition. 

73 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

audience.  Oh!  that  Haymarkct  audience!!!  Was  called  and  pretty 
well  received. 

August  16th. — Went  to  dine  with  Dickens,  and  was  witness  to  a 
most  painful  scene  after  dinner.  Forster,  Maclise  and  myself  were  the 
guests.  Forster  got  on  to  one  of  his  headlong  streams  of  talk  (which 
he  thinks  argument)  and  waxed  warm,  and  at  last  some  sharp  observa- 
tions led  to  personal  retorts  between  him  and  Dickens.  He  displayed 
his  usual  want  of  tact,  and  Dickens  flew  into  so  violent  a  passion  as 
quite  to  forget  himself  and  give  Forster  to  understand  that  he  was  in 
his  house,  which  he  should  be  glad  if  he  would  leave.  Forster  behaved 
very  foolishly.  I  stopped  him ;  spoke  to  both  of  them  and  observed 
that  for  an  angry  instant  they  were  about  to  destroy  a  friendship 
valuable  to  both.  I  drew  from  Dickens  the  admission  that  he  had 
spoken  in  passion  and  would  not  have  said  what  he  said,  could  he 
have  reflected ;  but  he  added  he  could  not  answer  for  his  temper  under 
Forster's  provocations,  and  that  he  should  do  just  the  same  again. 
Forster  behaved  very  weakly ;  would  not  accept  the  repeated  acknow- 
ledgment communicated  to  him  that  Dickens  regretted  the  passion, 
etc.,  but  stayed,  skimbling-skambling  a  parcel  of  unmeaning  words, 
and  at  last  finding  he  could  obtain  no  more,  made  a  sort  of  speech, 
accepting  Avhat  he  had  before  declined.  He  was  silent  and  not 
recovered — no  wonder  ! — during  the  whole  evening.  Mrs.  Dickens  had 
gone  out  in  tears.     It  was  a  very  painful  scene. 

August  Idth. — My  temper  is  falling — or,  rather,  has  fallen — back 
into  its  most  vicious  state !  I  am  miserable,  morose.  My  God  !  what 
can  I  do — with  nothing  but  suggestions  to  impatience  and  anger  about 
me — with  nothing  to  case  and  soothe  my  mind  ?  I  know  not  what  to 
do.  I  sometimes  think  that  I  could  be  content  to  relinquish  life. 
Certainly  life  is  not  happiness  to  me.  I  am  fretted  with  fears  for  the 
future  and  irritated  by  present  occurrences.  Acted  Richelieu  as  well 
as  I  could  with  such  actors !  But  was  not  good — and  dreadfully 
passionate.     Oh  God,  oh  God !     Was  called  for  and  well  received. 

August  20th. — Rose  Avith  very  unhappy  reflections  upon  my 
wretched  temper,  which  makes  so  much  of  what  is  unhappy  in  my 
life.  I  know  its  sin,  its  folly,  its  unamiable  effect,  its  terrible  punish- 
ment, and  yet  I  cannot — exposed  as  I  am  to  these  excitements — I  can- 
not subdue  it  to  my  will.  I  am  constantly  in  apprehension  of  some 
indignant  remark  upon  it.  I  strive  and  strive,  but  I  fear  hopelessly. 
Called  on  Dickens,  and  Avalked  with  him  to  the  sale  of  Louis  Napoleon's 
effects,  where  truly  enough  we  saw  manifest  indications  of  the  one 
74 


1840]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

idea  being  all  his  intellectual  stock.  Talked  much  with  Dickens,  whose 
views  on  politics  and  religion  seem  very  much  to  square  with  mine. 
We  talked  about  Forster,  and  he  made  the  same  remark  on  him  that 
Edward  had  done :  that  he  assumed  a  supercilious  tone  before  people 
to  give  the  idea  that  he  was  the  patron,  or  padrone.  How  little  and 
how  silly  I  Disgusted  with  the  vulgar  buffoonery  of  Mrs.  Glover,  and 
the  inaccuracy  of  Mr.  Strickland — these  wretched  Haymarket  actors ! 
Was  called  for  and  well  received. 

August  ^Qrd. — Gave  the  entire  day  to  the  cutting  and  arrange- 
ment of  Serle's  play  of  Master  Clarice,  and  found  I  had  only  completed 
four  acts  when  obliged  to  go  and  dress  for  dinner.  Dined  with 
Dickens  and  met  Mrs.  Burnett,  IMaclise,  Fletcher  the  sculptor,  Mr. 
Collinson — whose  name  was  taken  in  vain  upon  the  subject  of  Tal- 
fourd's  Glencoe — and  Forster,  who  was  there  just  the  same  as  ever. 
Poor  Forster !  A  little  more  strength  of  mind,  and  a  little  more 
judgment  to  bring  his  vanity  under  control,  would  greatly  enhance  his 
valuable  qualities  to  himself  and  his  friends. 

August  24t/i. — As  I  sat  at  dinner  I  looked  around  me — at  the 
handsome  room  in  which  I  sat,  the  table  with  all  I  could  wish  before 
me  or  at  my  command,  the  servant  in  livery  attending  on  me  alone, 
and  I  thought  how  difficult  it  must  be,  and  it  is,  for  men  to  draw  back 
their  naked  selves — their  ideas  of  man,  as  God  made  him — from  the 
disguise  of  pomp  and  circumstance  with  which  they  have  invested  him. 
Oh  God !  in  the  gratitude  I  ought  to  feel  for  the  blessings  Thou  hast 
bestowed  on  me,  teach  me  the  duties  of  charity,  of  kind  consideration, 
of  compassionate  allowance  towards  those  who  have  been  less  favoured. 
In  the  accident  of  that  destiny  which  gave  me  sufficient  intellect  to 
attain  a  certain  degree  of  general  respect,  and  to  surround  myself 
with  objects  of  taste  that  gratify  my  eye  and  feed  my  mind,  and  with 
luxuries  which  so  much  increase  the  enjoyments  of  my  physical  exist- 
ence, let  me  ever  acknowledge  Thy  bounty  and  be  still  happier  in 
blessing  Thy  name  as  the  source  of  all  that  I  have  or  may  enjoy. 

August  ^5th. — Went  to  Dickens's,  presented  my  sponsorial  offer- 
ing of  a  watch  and  chain,  which  I  was  pleased  to  see  very  much 
admired.  Went  to  church,  and  observed  the  impatient  and  clergyman- 
like temper  of  the  parson  at  the  non-arrival  of  another  expected  party. 
After  the  entry  had  been  made  of  the  names  in  the  vestry,  we  pro- 
ceeded to  the  font,  and  when  about  one  third  of  the  service  was  read 
the  other  party  appeared ;  the  parson  had  them  forward,  and  christened 
the  two   children  together,   the  little   late-comer   having   lost  all  the 

75 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1840 

Christianity  contained  in  that  part  of  the  ceremony  which  the  parson 
could  not  afford  a  repetition  of!  And  these  are  Christians  ministers 
— the  apostles  of  a  religion  of  Charity  and  Love.  The  hypocrites  ! 
The  villains!  The  liars  to  God,  the  cheats  to  human  nature!  Gave 
the  nurse  a  sovereign  and  returned — after  hearing  the  clergyman's 
compliments  on  the  distinction  of  the  party — with  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Dickens,  Mr.  Fletcher,  and  the  two  godmothers.  Lunched,  and  then 
walked  out  with  Dickens  and  Fletcher ;  purchased  the  JEschylus, 
Odyssey,  and  Hesiod  of  Flaxman,  and  wended  on  to  Cold  Bath  Fields 
Prison.  Captain  Chesterton,  the  Governor,  accompanied  us  over  the 
whole  prison.  Went  to  dine  with  Dickens.  Met  some  relations  of 
his,  uncles ;  Miss  Ayrton,  Mrs.  Burnett,  Maclise,  Jerdan,  Forster,  Mr. 
Charlton,  etc.  Rather  a  noisy  and  uproarious  day — not  so  much 
comme  il  faiit  as  I  could  have  wished. 

Avgust  26t/?. — Received  a  note  from  Forster  asking  for  orders, 
and  informing  me  of  a  letter  he  had  received  from  Bubver  that  made 
him  fear  for  his  health.  I  fear  very  much  for  it!  Went  to  the 
theatre.  Forster  came  into  my  room  and  Browning,  who  did  not  stay 
long.  They  did  not  speak  to  one  another — how  bad  this  is !  How 
little  wisdom  or  generosity  it  shows !  Forster  told  me  that  Bulwer  was 
in  very  low  spirits  about  his  health,  being  in  fear  of  decline,  which  I 
fear  too.  I  sludl  be  grieved  to  lose  him.  Forster  told  me  that  Collier 
had  been  again  attacking  me  in  the  Observer,  and  that  a  portrait  of 
Mr.  Bunn  was  announced  by  R.  J.  Lane,  A.R.A. !  !  !  This  is  really 
amusing. 

August  ^Ith. — Browning  came  before  I  had  finished  my  bath,  and 
really  icearied  me  with  his  obstinate  faith  in  his  poem  of  Sordello,  and 
of  his  eventual  celebrity,  and  also  with  his  self-opinionated  persuasions 
upon  his  Return  of  the  Druses.  I  fear  he  is  for  ever  gone.  He  speaks 
of  Mr.  Fox  (who  would  have  been  delighted  and  proud  in  the  ability  to 
praise  him)  in  a  very  unkind  manner,  and  imputes  motives  to  him 
which  on  the  mere  surface  seem  absurd.  Looked  at  the  paper. 
Browning  accompanied  me  to  the  theatre,  at  last  consenting  to  leave 
the  MS.  with  me  for  a  second  perusal.  Reiiearsed  Master  Clarke, 
which  appeared  so  dull  in  the  rehearsal  that  Serle,  Webster,  and  Will- 
mott  held  a  council  with  me  upon  the  expediency  of  substituting  the 
Spanish  Maid  for  it.  I  went  home  to  read  the  Spanish  Maid,  whicli 
was  not  there. 

August  28f/t. — Began  the  day  with  packing  for  my  brief  holiday, 
whicli  has  been  "haunting  me  like  a  passion  "  for  these  three  weeks 

76 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

past.  My  dear  wife  ought  to  be  satisfied  with  my  love  to  her,  for  I 
rejoin  her  more  with  the  fondness  and  ardour  of  a  bridegroom  than 
with  the  sedater  feelings  of  an  old  married  man.  Heard  the  voice  of 
my  dear  old  dog  Norma  in  the  yard,  and  went  down  from  my  bathroom 
to  see  her,  and  took  my  farewell  to  her.  Dear  old  dog — many  have 
been  the  happy  moments  that  I  have  seen  thee  bounding  and  wanton- 
ing in  thy  strength,  great  and  beautiful  brute !  Farewell !  I  shall 
never  see  thee  again !  Farewell !  Left  London  at  half-past  eleven 
and  reached  Canterbury  at  half-past  six. 

BroadstairSf  August  29t/i. — Left  Canterbury  in  a  chaise,  and  came 
very  slowly  along  to  Broadstairs ;  was  pleased  to  look  again  upon  the 
fields  and  trees,  though  it  seemed  like  a  surprise  to  me  to  see  the 
stubble  fields  and  the  harvest  gathered.  The  beauty  of  the  wild 
flowers  by  the  roadside,  few  as  they  were,  was  sweet  and  pleasing  to 
my  sight.  I  found  my  wife  and  dear  family  all  well,  thank  God,  and 
after  breakfast  lay  down  for  two  of  three  hours.  I  arranged  my 
accounts  and  surrendered  all  the  rest  of  my  day  to  idleness  and  the 
enjoyment  of  the  society  of  my  dear  children.  Was  much  irritated 
and  annoyed  by  the  report  of  fresh  instances  of  impertinence  and  false- 
hood in  the  Observer  newspaper.  My  anger  was  greatly  excited,  but 
reflection  shows  me  that  the  baseness  is  only  elevated  by  taking  notice  of  it. 

August  QOth. — Read — indeed  almost  spelled — the  newspaper. 
Listened  to  my  children's  repetition  of  French  fables  and  verses.  After 
their  dinner  walked  out  to  call  on  Dickens — who  had  not  arrived — then 
on  the  cliffs  and  on  the  sands.     Spent  an  idle  evening  with  my  family. 

August  31st. — Left  Margate  in  the  iron  steamboat,  which  I  did 
not  like  at  all  in  the  heavy  sAvell  that  we  had  to  ride  through  nearly 
to  Gravesend.  The  boat  was  so  light,  being  of  metal,  that  her  motion 
made  me  very  uncomfortable.  There  was  abundance  of  sickness  and 
altogether  a  disagreeable  passage.  As  it  grew  dark  the  effect  of  the 
various  and  many  boats  with  their  lights  on  their  prows  and  mast- 
heads gliding  through  the  water  had  a  very  beautiful  effect.  Came 
by  the  Blackwall  Railway  to  London. 

September  2nd. — Webster  came  into  my  room,  and  we  had  a  long 
talk  on  various  matters.  He  told  me  he  had  given  Knowles  (on  his  oxon 
writing  doivn  the  terms)  £200  cash  for  a  play  in  March  next — that 
now  Mr.  Knowles  wanted  to  be  off  the  bargain,  or  if  he  wrote  the 
play  to  receive  £800  instead  of  £600 — the  sum  proposed  by  himself! 
Talked  about  Helen  Faucit's  fitness  for  Beatrice,  of  which  I  begin  to 
entertain  doubts. 

77 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1840 

September  3rd. — Went  to  theatre  and  rehearsed  three  acts  of 
Master  Clarke,  which  has  no  strong  saHent  point,  no  great  scene  in  it, 
and  is  not  -worth  doing,  which  I  lament  for  Serle's  sake.  Talked  very 
needlessly  to  Webster ;  met  and  passed  Mr.  Knowles  in  the  lobby  as 
I  left  the  theatre — he,  of  course,  not  offering  to  speak  to  me — a  fitting 
return  for  the  benefits  I  have  heaped  upon  him.  Received  a  very 
pretty  flower  and  note,  affectionately  written,  from  . 

September  4t/i. — Read  great  part  of  a  paper  in  Foreign  Quarterly 
on  Bernadotte,  a  man  who  does  not  much  interest  me.  But  what  is 
the  end  and  object  of  this  world  ?  Reading,  as  we  do  daily,  the 
drunken  ravings  of  a  large  body  of  rational  creatures — creatures  at 
least  gifted  with  the  power  of  reason,  calling  out  for  icar — for  war! 
Mighty  God !  if  human  passion  and  vanity  is  so  strong,  and  reason 
so  weak  to  subdue  it,  what  hope  is  there  for  our  improvement  as  really 

intellectual   beings?     Note  from   Mr.   ,  asking   for  assistance  in 

clothes,  etc.,  being  in  great  indigence — poor  man!  God  help  him, 
and  all  that  suffer,  and  blest  be  His  name  that  has  given  me  some 
means  to  alleviate  the  woes  of  those  less  happily  destined.  Forster 
and  Blanchard  came  to  dine  with  me,  and  my  bachelor  fare  was  a  most 
complete  success.     We  spent  a  very  pleasant  evening. 

September  5th. — Not  quite  so  well  as  I  should  have  been,  but  cheer- 
ful, indeed  light-hearted,  in  the  thought  of  doing  something  for  this 
poor  fellow  who  wrote  to  me  last  night.     Made  up  a  parcel  of  clothes, 

etc.,  for  him.     Answered  poor  's  note,  enclosing  him  a  cheque 

for  £2.  Acted  Sir  Oswin  Mortland  very  unequally — was  prepared  to 
act  well,  but  the  vulgar  exaggeration  of  Mrs.  Glover,  who  acts  the  sister 
of  Sir  Oswin  in  the  style  of  a  very  impudent  housekeeper  of  the  baronet, 
quite  unsettled  and  threw  me  out  of  my  self-possession.  She  was  acting 
to  Madame  Vestris  and  Mr.  Mathews,  who  were  in  the  theatre !  God- 
like ambition  !  what  various  forms  thou  takest ! 

September  7f/i. — Notes  from  Ransom,  from  Mr.  French,  from 
Miss  E.  Spicer  wishing  the  autographs  of  Bulwer,  Dickens,  Landor, 
Mrs.  Butler  and — Mr.  C.  Kean !  I  fear  it  is  quantity,  not  quality  for 
her! 

September  Sth. — Walked  down  to  the  theatre.  On  going  into  a 
private  box  I  started  back  and  called  to  the  box-keeper  on  seeing 
Mrs.  Glover  satined-out  and  acting  Violante.  He  told  me  that  Miss 
Faucit  was  indisposed  and  that  an  apology  had  been  made.  Sat 
through  part  of  the  second,  the  third,  fourth  and  part  of  the  fifth 
acts — it  was  very,  very  badly  acted.     It  does  not  surprise  me  that  the 

78 


MRS.    GLOVER 

From  an  engravimj  by  Carden 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

taste  for  the  drama — as  acted — should  wax  feeble.  Who  would  go 
to  see  such  a  performance?  I  did  not  hear  one  line  given  with  pro- 
priety— not  to  say  with  an  artist's  discrimination.  The  play/  too, 
was  bunglingly  arranged.  Mr.  Wallack  was  quite  out  of  place  in  Don 
Felix — quite  below  the  part,  but  it  was  throughout  a  very  indifferent 
provincial  representation. 

September  10th. — Called,  paid  for  and  obtained  the  key  of  the 
Park  Square  Gardens  at  North  Lodge ;  on  my  way  there  met  Mrs. 
Procter,  and  talked  long  with  her  about  Browning,  of  whom  she  and 
all  think  as  I  do.  She  told  me  Milnes  was  writing  a  play.  After 
dinner  read  Gisippus,  received  yesterday  from  Mr.  Griffin.  Went  to 
theatre.  Acted  Claude  Melnotte  well ;  called  for  and  well  received. 
Talfourd,  Forster  and  Maclise  came  in. 

September  11th. — Maclise,  Forster  and  Talfourd  came  to  dine,  our 
dinner  was  very  cheerful.  Talfourd  grew  so  tipsy  that  he  quite  im- 
peded conversation.  I  was  sorry  to  see  him ;  otherwise  it  would  have 
been  very  pleasant.  It  was  curious,  and  a  sad  demission  of  character 
to  hear  the  violent  manner  in  which  he  attacked  Bulwer ;  siding  with 
his  beastly  wife — abusing  the  Lady  of  Lyons — in  short,  showing  a 
spirit  of  littleness  and  envy  that  was  most  unworthy.  In  him  and  in 
Knowles  we  see  how  this  base  quality  prevails.  They  both  hate  Bulwer, 
and  his  demerit  is  success.  But  he  is  a  gentleman  and  a  high-minded 
man — worth  both  of  them  and  twenty  more  such,  to  boot,  squeezed  up 
into  one. 

September  12t/i. — Dr.  Griffin  called  on  the  subject  of  the  play  of 
Gisippus.  I  questioned  him  about  his  brother,"  who  had  written  the 
novel  of  the  Collegians,  a  piece  called  The  Noyade,  acted  at  the  English 
Opera  House  fifteen  years  ago,  and  other  things.  Latterly  he  had, 
since  an  attack  of  illness,  become  devout  and  enthusiastic ;  lived  with 
his  brother  for  some  time,  and  only  wrote  upon  the  spur  of  occasion 
— wanting  money.  He  wished  to  go  into  the  monastery  of  La  Trappe, 
and  finally  retired  into  some  other  monastery,  where  he  died  about 
three  months  since.  I  told  Dr.  Griffin  that  I  had  a  great  opinion 
of  the  play,  and  if  I  saw  no  reason  to  change  it  that  I  would,  with  his 
concurrence,  prepare  it  and  present  it  to  Mr.  Webster.  He  gave  me 
carte-blanche  regarding  it,  and  left  me.  Priscilla  Horton  came  to  my 
room  and  asked  me  to  advise  about  a  note  she  received  with  a  present 

>  The  JVonder. 

*  Gerald  Griffin  (1803-1840)  ;  novelist  and  playwright.  Gisippus  was  produced  by 
Macready  at  Drury  Lane  in  1842. 

79 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

of  jewellery  from  an  admirer  of  her  acting.  I  wrote  an  answer 
for  her. 

September  IMh. — Brydone  called,  and  gave  me  a  picture  of  Covent 
Garden  and  its  management,  that  tends  to  confirm  my  belief  of  its 
rottenness.  Luck  alone  can  sustain  it,  and  chance  acts  two  ways.  It 
is  not  a  fitting  spectacle — the  national  drama  in  the  hands  of  Mrs. 
Vestris  and  Mr.  Charles  Mathews !  Began  to  read  Hamlet.  Forster 
called  to  consult  me  on  Dickens's  preface,  to  which  I  made  objec- 
tions. His  dedication  to  Rogers  I  thought  very  well  done.  Forster 
remained,  inviting  himself  to  dine.  I  read  the  greater  part  of 
Gisippus  to  him — by  which  he  was  astonished ;  he  was  delighted  with 
it,  and  thought  it  better  than  Knowles's. 

September  14t/i. — Lay  down  and  thought  of  Hamlet.  Received 
a  note  from  Forster  about  Dickens's  preface,  which  I  answered,  though 
in  great  haste.  Went  to  theatre.  Acted  Hamlet — in  bad  spirits — 
against  the  grain — no  flow.  The  soliloquy  on  death  I  never  spoke 
so  well,  but  altogether  I  did  not  satisfy  myself.  Was  depressed  by 
the  bad  house,  and  became  very  much  irritated  in  thinking  of  that 

blackguard  ;  was  quite  out  of  temper,  and  lost  the  keynote  of 

the  character.  Was  called  for  and  well  received.  Forster  came  into 
my  room,  and  we  sent  for  Webster ;  advised  him  to  defer  Serle's  play 
on  account  of  Knowles's.     Asked  him  to  act  Glencoe  for  Talfourd. 

September  15th. — Read  the  paper,  my  disgust  and  impatience  at 
the  conduct  of  mankind  increasing,  as  I  see  them  rushing  into  deeds 
of  murder  and  plunder  which  they  dignify  with  the  term  of  heroism, 
because  done  upon  a  large  scale  and  upon  system  !     Is  this  Christianity  ? 

Received  letter  from  Mrs.  ,  who  writes  very  much  as  if  she  used 

her  fingers  over  the  paper  for  want  of  a  power  of  exercising  her  brains. 
Read  for  five  hours  my  part  in  Master  Clarice,  which  is  difficult  to 
retain,  there  being  nothing  in  it  to  excite  me.  At  dinner  read  a 
pamphlet  on  education,  which  has  made  me  think  on  the  course 
pursued  with  my  children,  and  resolve  not  to  goad  them  too  early 
to  learn — let  me  teach  them  to  know.  Again  read  what  I  could  of 
lirowning's  mystical,  strange  and  heavy  play  of  the  Return  of  the 
Druses.  It  is  not  good.  Wrote  to  him,  and,  offering  to  do  all  in 
my  power,  gave  him  my  reconsidered  opinion.  Was  captivated  by 
tlie  plates  and  songs  of  Beranger,  and  spent  too  much  time  in  looking 
them  over. 

September  ISth. — Received  letter  frojn  ,   written   to  write — 

poverina!     Received  a   note  from   Mr.   Spencer  Plumer,   inviting  me 
80 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

to  join  in  a  new  dramatic  company — subscribed  to  in  shares,  to 
take  all  the  unlet  principal  theatres,  to  form  a  school  for  actors, 
to  remunerate  in  a  better  way  the  actors,  etc. — too  wild  and 
visionary  to  think  of  for  an  instant.  Answered  it  courteously. 
Wrote  to  the  secretaries  of  London  Library  for  prospectuses,  etc. 
Went  to  the  theatre ;  the  house  was  very  bad.  Acted  Sir  Oswin 
Mortland  very  well.  Procter  and  Forster  came  into  my  room  and 
chatted.  My  spirits  are  low,  our  houses  are  bad,  and  there  seems 
nothing  in  this  manner  of  doing  business  to  give  us  a  hope  of  rallying 
— it  all  rests  with  me,  and  I  am  worn  out, 

September  17t/i. — Looked  at  the  paper,  was  disgusted  and  irritated 
by  the  narration  of  the  circumstances  of  Lord  Cardigan's  conduct  to 
an  oflBcer — Captain  Reynolds — and  Lord  Hill's  behaviour,  which  seems 
quite  as  bad  as  that  ruffian  Cardigan's.  When  will  the  soul  of  man 
walk  abroad  in  its  own  majesty — oh  God !  The  slaves  that  we  are — 
to  read  the  tone  which  an  injured  and  insulted  man,  Captain  Reynolds, 
is  obliged  to  use  to  two  aristocratic  miscreants  like  these  Lords  Hill 
and  Cardigan!  It  is  monstrous.^  Read  in  Master  Clarke,  and  was 
interrupted  in  my  business  by  the  arrival  of  Browning,  who  took  his 
MS.  and  walked  ^dth  me  to  the  theatre.  W^ent  to  the  theatre ;  spoke 
to  Willmott  about  the  plays — he  is  quite  desperate  about  the  fate  of 
the  theatre.  Acted  Claude  Melnotte  tolerably — was  called  for  and 
well  received. 

September  ISth. — Concluded  the  letters  to  Lord  Hill,  etc.,  in  the 
newspaper  upon  the  dispute  between  this  Lord  Cardigan  and  Captain 
Reynolds.  Here  is  a  simple  question  :  Would  any  man — not  of  wealth 
and  rank — who  had  so  infamized  himself  as  this  lord  has  done,  and 
suffered  degradation,  have  been  restored  to  a  power  and  rank  he  had 
abused?     He  would   not.     It  is   alone   enough   to   damn   Lord   Hill, 

^  This  was  the  notorious  "black  bottle"  incident  which  led  to  a  court-martial  on 
Captain  J.  W.  Reynolds  of  the  nth  Hussars  and  his  dismissal  from  the  service,  a  circum- 
stance that  excited  a  good  deal  of  indignation  against  Lord  Cardigan,  who  had  only  a  few 
days  before  fought  a  duel  with  another  officer  for  which  he  was  later  on  tried  by  the  House 
of  Lords  and  acquitted.  Captain  Reynolds's  original  offence  consisted  in  his  having  allowed 
a  bottle  of  Moselle,  which  he  had  ordered  after  a  "guest-night"  mess-dinner,  to  be  placed 
on  the  table  in  a  black  bottle.  In  consequence  Lord  Cardigan,  who  was  in  command  of  the 
regiment,  caused  the  following  message  to  be  delivered  to  Captain  Reynolds  by  the  president 
of  the  mess  committee  :  "  The  Colonel  has  desired  me,  as  president  of  the  mess  committee, 
to  tell  you  that  you  were  wrong  in  having  a  black  bottle  placed  on  the  table  at  a  great 
dinner  like  last  night's,  as  the  mess  should  be  conducted  like  a  gentleman's  table  and  not 
like  a  tavern  or  pot-house."  A  correspondence  ensued,  in  which  Captain  Reynolds  wrote  to 
Lord  Cardigan  in  terms  that  were  held  to  be  a  breach  of  discipline  as  addressed  by  a 
subordinate  officer  to  his  colonel.     Lord  Hill  was  then  Commander-in-Chief. 

VOL.   II.  G  8  I 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

whom  I  look  upon  as  a  most  unjust  and  base  man/  Received  by 
post  a  letter  and  two  acts,  fourth  and  fifth,  of  a  comedy  from  Bulwer ; 
the  others  are  sent  by  the  Ambassador's  bag — it  is  completed ! 

September  19th. — Spoke  to  Webster  in  consequence  of  what 
Willmott  had  said  to  me,  that  he  had  expected  me  to  bring  plays,  etc., 
to  him.  The  mere  excuse  of  his  own  indolence  and  neglect  of  his 
business.  Received  the  other  three  acts  of  Bulwer's  comedy.  Began 
the  play  as  I  came  home  in  a  cab.  Proceeded  with  Bulwer's  comedy. 
Went  to  the  theatre.  Acted  Sir  Oswin  Mortland  feebly,  being  over- 
whelmed and  put  quite  hors  de  la  scene  by  the  vulgarity  and  provincial 
mummery  of  Mrs.  Glover.  Continued  the  comedy — deeply  interested 
— at  the  theatre,  where  I  was  waiting  for  Forster,  who  had  gone  to 
Covent  Garden  to  see  Knowles's  play.  Came  home,  and  continued  to 
completion  Bulwer's  comedy  of  Money.  Forster  came,  and  had  tea 
— reported  Knowles's  play  of  the  Bride  of  Messina  as  very  partially 
applauded,  very  indifferently  acted,  with  the  exception  of  Mr. 
Anderson's  part.  I  began  to  read  the  comedy  to  Forster,  and  was 
led  on  to  read  it  through,  to  our  mutual  amusement.  Went  to  bed 
at  half-past  three  o'clock. 

September  20th. — Rose  late,  suffering  from  headache,  proceeding 
from  my  late  hours  last  night,  or  rather  this  morning.  Arranged  my 
accounts.  Made  calculations  on  what  ought  to  be  our  expenses, 
which,  being  very  liberal,  would  still  allow  me  a  very  handsome  profit. 
Gave  the  whole  afternoon,  after  looking  at  the  newspaper,  to  the 
words  of  Master  Clarke.  Dined  with  Talfourd,  and  had  a  very 
cheerful  day.  Serle,  T.  Hill,  Forster,  Maclise  were  present.  I  was 
amused  with  the  frank  declaration  of  Mrs.  Talfourd,  that  she  could 
not  wish  any  play  to  succeed  now.  So  Talfourd  is  to  supply  and 
occupy  the  stage !     Talfourd  again  began  to  gird  at  and  depreciate 

*  Lord  Cardigan  did  not  escape  scot-free,  Lord  Hill  having  administered  to  him  the 
oUowing  rebuke  in  a  memorandum  which  the  Adjutant-General  was  ordered  to  read  to  the 
regiment :  "  Lord  Cardigan  must  recollect  that  it  is  expected  of  him  not  only  to  exercise  the 
military  command  over  the  regiment,  but  to  give  an  example  of  moderation,  temper  and 
discretion.  Such  a  course  of  conduct  would  lead  to  far  less  frequent  reference  to  his  lordship 
from  the  nth  Hussars  than  has  been  the  case  in  the  last  few  months."  This  admonition 
had,  however,  very  little  effect,  for  a  few  months  later  Lord  Cardigan  ordered  a  trooper  of 
the  regim.ent  to  undergo  one  hundred  lashes  on  a  Sunday  directly  after  service  and  before 
the  men  could  return  to  barracks.  For  this  outrage  he  was  merely  transferred  to  the 
command  of  another  cavalry  regiment.  A  remorseless  martinet,  and  of  inordinate  arrogance 
(at  Harrow  his  absurd  hmiteiir  earned  him  the  nickname  of  the  "star-gazer"),  he  was 
wholly  unfitted  for  a  military  command,  though  in  point  of  courage,  "dash"  and  good  looks 
he  was  probably  unsurpassed  in  the  service. 
82 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

Bulwer,  of  whom  I  spoke  out,  eulogizing  his  excellent  qualities,  and 
insisting  on  my  belief  in  him  as  a  high-minded  and  a  high-hearted  man. 
Talfourd,  whose  envy,  poor  fellow,  quite  makes  him  commit  himself, 
again  acknowledged  the  unworthiness  of  his  conduct  in  so  ungenerously 
speaking  of  him,  and  expressed  his  great  regret. 

September  21st. — A  very  entertaining  letter  from  Bulwer  at 
Donnewortli,  or  some  such  place,  suggesting  alteration  in  his  comedy. 
Answered  Bulwer  briefly.  Went  to  the  theatre  very  tired.  Acted 
Richelieu  fairly.  Saw  Daniel,  and  very  foolishly,  very  improperly, 
expressed  my  opinion  of  Miss  Ellen  Tree's  talent — or  rather  of  the 
very  Httle  share  she  has  of  it. 

September  2^nd. — I<ooked  at  a  drawing  by  John  Lewis, ^  a 
charming  piece  of  art — the  procession  of  some  priests  and  monks  under 
a  window  in  a  town  in  Spain — beautiful.  Marked  to  read  part  of 
Bulwer 's  comedy.  Received  a  note  from  Forster,  expressing  his 
opinion  of  Gisippus — that  it  is  above  any  play  since  Shakspeare.  I 
think  that  a  hasty  judgment."  Read  in  Voltaire,  who  certainly  does 
take  exceptions  which  reason  cannot  refuse  assent  to.  He  says  as  the 
Germans  do,  that  the  religion  of  Christians  (so  calling  themselves)  is 
not  the  religion  of  Christ — nor  is  it.  Christ  worshipped  one  God, 
and  never  uttered  one  word  about  three  Gods  in  one — or  any  such 
incomprehensibility.  Continued  Bulwer's  comedy  of  Money.  Read 
the  first  act  of  Gisippus. 

September  23rc/. — Read  the  paper,  in  which  I  was  glad  to  see  the 
acquittal  of  Madame  Laffarge  upon  the  charge  of  poisoning  her 
husband.^  Head  called  and  took  directions  about  my  dress  for  Richard 
Cromwell.  Went  to  the  theatre ;  rehearsed  the  new  play.  Heard 
that  the  Lord  Chamberlain  had  sent  a  message  to  the  theatres,  closing 
them  on  account  of  the  decease  of  the  Princess  Augusta.  I  would  not 
speak,  nor  wish  to  think,  irreverently  of  dead  or  living — but  why  are 
many  poor  people  to  be  deprived  of  their  daily  bread,  and  many  more 
of  an  innocent  and  profitable  amusement,  because  among  the  number  of 
human  beings  that  departed  life  yesterday  she  happened  to  be 
numbered  ?  Went  into  the  Oxford  Street  theatre ;  was  denied,  but  on 
giving  my  name,  was  conducted  over  it  by  a  sort  of  superintendent. 

'  John  Frederick   Lewis,  R.A.  (1805-1876);  the  distinguished  painter  of  Spanish  and 
Oriental  subjects. 

^  It  was  a  powerful  play,  and  captured  the  critics  but  not  the  public. 

*  She  was  not  acquitted,  but  found  guilty  with  extenuating  circumstances,  and  sentenced 
to  hard  labour  for  life  with  exposure  in  the  pillory. 

G2  83 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

It  is  really  beautiful  :  well  placed,  it  would  be  a  fortune ;  but,  where 
it  is,  I  have  no  faith  in  its  success.^ 

September  24t/<. — Looked  at  the  newspaper  at  breakfast;  and  saw 
my  sweet  children.  Rehearsed  the  play  of  Master  Clarke.  An  incident 
occurred  which  was  very  unpleasant.  Mr.  Phelps  had  come,  a  habit 
with  him,  too  late.  Mr.  AVebster  was  not  very  courteous  in  his  style 
of  address,  and  Mr.  Phelps  walked  out  of  the  theatre — taking  Mr. 
Webster  at  his  word  and  dismissing  himself.  I  suggested  Serle  to 
take  the  part  of  Disbrowe,  which,  on  being  sent  for,  he  consented  to 
do,  and  we  finished  the  rehearsal.  The  latter  part  of  the  play  is  weak, 
and  unluckily  very  badly  acted.  After  dinner  looked  over  some  litho- 
graphic prints  of  the  collection  in  the  Munich  Gallery — which  must 
be  worth  the  journey  to  see.  Rested.  I  must  separate  myself  from 
the  enjoyment  of  my  family's  society  if  I  wish  to  get  forward  with 
my  work.  I  must  do  it.  I  -ivill  do  it.  Went  to  the  theatre,  where 
I  found  a  note  from  Kenney,  who,  it  appears,  has  been,  judging 
from  his  note,  informing  his  friends  tliat  I  have  been  ill-using  him  ; 
he  is  too  bad.  Acted  Claude  Melnotte  fairly,  was  called  for  and 
well  received. 

September  9,6th. — Went  into  the  yard  with  the  children,  and 
showed  them  the  gymnastic  amusements.  Looked  at  the  paper,  and 
felt  great  indignation  at  the  conduct  of  this  bad  and  tyrannical  man, 
this  Lord  Cardigan,  and  the  base  weakness  of  that  wretched  Lord 
Hill ;  and  these  are  soldiers — children  of  chivalry ! — a  set  of  mercen- 
aries selling  every  noble  and  independent  feeling  for  pay  and  partial 
power.  Went  to  the  theatre  and  rehearsed  the  play  of  Richard 
Cromwell.  Returning  home,  read  over  the  part,  and  going  again  to 
the  theatre,  acted  it  (Richard  Cromwell)  very  fairly,  bringing  out 
some  parts  of  the  character  with  truth  and  force.  I  was  called  for 
and  very  well  received  by  the  audience.  Serle,  on  leaving  the  stage 
at  rehearsal,  had  thanked  me  very  earnestly  for  my  assistance. 
Talfourd  and  Forster  came  into  my  room,  and  I  collected  from  their 
opinions  their  distrust  of  the  play's  attraction ;  they  seemed  to  feel  i 
it  weak.  Forster  told  me  that  Mr.  Knowles  had  at  length  resigned  » 
himself  to  the  belief  that  Mr.  Moore  had  not  acted  Procida  well,  and 
that  "he  ought  to  have  played  it  himself."  Here  is  a  key  to  much 
of  his  animosity  against  me !  Webster  and  Willmott  came  in.  I  had 
a  very  long  conversation  with  the  former,  who  expressed  his  opinion  i 
that  the  play  would  not  attract — this  is  rather  premature  judgment— 
'  The  Princess's  Theatre  ;  of  late  years  it  has  certainly  justified  Macready's  misgivings. 
84 


1840]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

and  wishing  me  immediately  to  get  Much  Ado  in  hand.  This  led  to 
other  things.  I  told  him  gently  hut  fully  of  his  behaviour  yesterday 
morning,  and  of  the  bad  example  he  set — in  that  and  his  slovenly 
performance  of  the  part  in  the  play  of  to-night.  Willmott  hinted  at 
the  new  material  in  plays  that  I  had,  and  I  told  Webster  (he  having 
expressed  his  opinion  of  Richard  Cromwell)  of  Bulwer's  comedy,  and 
the  tragedy,  which  it  appeared  Mr.  C.  Kean  had  in  his  possession, 
and,  "distrusting  his  own  judgment,"  had  given  to  Webster  to 
read. 

September  9,1th. — Heard  the  dear  children  their  hymns.  Looked 
at  the  newspaper,  in  which  I  w-as  glad  to  see  the  strongest  reprobation 
of  Lords  Cardigan  and  Hill.  My  darling  boy,  Henry,  very  unwell ; 
he  seems  wasting  and  sinking  away — my  heart  fell  down  within  me 
as  I  looked  at  the  thin  face  of  the  dear,  dear  child.  May  God  bless, 
protect  and  restore  him.  Mr.  Pope  called,  and  rather  confirmed  than 
removed  my  apprehensions  for  him.  Began  reading  and  making 
legible  Bulwer's  comedy  of  Money.  Forster  dined  with  us.  Read 
the  w^hole  of  it  to  Catherine,  etc.,  with  Forster,  with  which  all  were 
delighted.     Floreat. 

September  98th. — Mr.  Pope  called  and  saw  dear  little  Henry,  who, 
I  fear,  is  very,  very  ill.  My  hopes  are  wretchedly  low  about  him. 
God  bless  him !  Spoke  to  Webster  on  the  subject  of  next  year's 
engagement.  He  said  that  he  understood  I  had  said  that,  while  I 
was  comfortable  at  the  Haymarket,  I  would  stay.  I  mentioned  the 
position  of  my  name  on  the  playbills,  that  it  should  not  on  any 
occasion  be  put  under  any  other  person's,  as  it  had  been ;  that  I  should 
have  the  right  to  a  private  box  when  they  were  not  let.  He  wished 
me  to  take  the  month's  leave  which  I  had  at  my  option ;  tried  it  on  for 
"seven  weeks,"  to  w^hich  I  would  not  agree.  He  also  wished  to  alter 
the  mode  of  play  and  pay ;  this  I  w  ould  only  hear  of  so  far,  that  I 
should  be  paid  weekly  £100  for  the  same  number  of  nights  (excepting 
the  month's  leave),  but  he  might  put  the  nights  in  what  order  he 
chose  through  the  whole  term  of  engagement.  Appointed  the  reading 
of  the  comedy  for  to-morrow.  Read  over  Richard  Cromwell.  Went 
to  theatre ;  acted  Richard  Cromwell  tolerably.  Called  for  and  well 
received. 

September  QOth. — Gave  my  whole  morning  to  the  consideration, 
revision  and  arrangement  for  the  stage  of  Money,  the  comedy  of  Sir 
E.  Bulwer.  Wrote  my  remarks  and  suggestions  to  Bulwer.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Carl3le  called.    Forster  called  and  accompanied  me  to  the  theatre. 

85 


THE   DIARIES   OF  MACREADY  [1840 

Dearest  Henry  still  better,  thank  God !  Spoke  to  Willmott,  telling 
him  that  I  had  thought  of  Webster  for  Lord  Glossmore — he  told  me 
that  Mr.  Webster  himself  wished  to  act  Doleful !  ^  I  acted  Richard 
Cromwell,  but  indifferently !  During  the  play  mentioned  to  Webster 
that  I  thought  he  would  be  the  best  we  could  have  for  Lord  Glossmore. 
He  began  a  long  desultory  harangue  about  his  talent,  and  what  he 
had  been  and  what  done,  of  whicli  I  have  lived  in  total  ignorance ; 
and  though  I  told  him  I  had  nothing  to  do  with  this,  that  Glossmore 
was  a  very  good  part,  and  was  particularized  by  Sir  E.  Bulwer  as 
requiring  a  good  actor,  he  ran  on  wearying  me — quoting  his  perform- 
ance of  Louis  XHI,  which  I  was  much  averse  to.  I  hear  a  storm 
ringing !     God  direct  and  speed  me  right. 

October  1st. — Dearest  Henry  better,  for  which  I  earnestly  thank 
God.  Unwell  and  nervous  myself  from  his  fretting.  Received  a  long 
and  interesting  letter  from  Bulwer.  Talked  with  Brydone  long  about 
the  state  of  Covent  Garden,  and  learned  that  all  were  wishing  me 
to  be  there,  except  Vestris.  Called  on  Forster,  and  had  a  long  con- 
versation with  him.  on  the  subject  of  the  cast,  etc.,  of  the  play,  and 
the  possibility  of  transferring  it  to  Covent  Garden  theatre  in  case 
Webster  refused  to  do  justice  to  it.  I  observed  that  as  Bulwer's 
nomination  of  Webster  to  Doleful  took  from  me  the  responsibility  of 
its  cast,  I  had  no  further  objection  to  make ;  adding  that  in  case 
Mr.  Wallack  should  not  wish  to  take  Smooth,  that  I  would  give  five 
extra  nights  to  Mr.  Webster  to  make  up  a  salary  to  Vining,  if  he 
would  engage  him.  Coming  home,  received  a  long  letter  from  Mr. 
Webster,  laying  many  things  to  my  charge,  such  as  "threatening  to 
send  Sir  E.  Bulwer's  play  to  Covent  Garden  theatre — having  accumu- 
lated expense  on  him — spoken  contemptuously  of  him,  etc."  I 
answered  him  very  mildly,  denying,  and,  I  think,  briefly  disproving 
his  assertions,  and  stating  my  belief  that  he  wished  to  retract  the 
engagement  he  had  made  with  me ;  I  gave  him  full  leave  to  do  so, 
if  too  onerous  for  his  establishment.  I  went  over  Bichord  Cromwell, 
and  went  to  the  theatre,  where  I  acted  Richard  Cromwell  pretty  well. 
Forster  called,  and  had  some  conversation  with  Webster,  who  denied 
that  my  engagement  would  be  cancelled.  I  received,  whilst  undressing, 
a  rude  note  from  him — ending  in  his  "considering  my  engagement 
conclusive."  I  answered  it  very  mildly,  very  briefly  and  very 
distantly,  renewing  my  offer  of  releasing  him  from  the  engagement. 
I  could  do  no  less,  I  think. 

^  Afterwards  Graves. 

86 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

October  3rd. — Looked  at  the  newspapers.  Mr.  Pope  called,  and 
most  grateful  to  God  am  I  to  know  that  my  dear  Henry  is  better. 
Read  with  great  attention  the  play  of  Gisippus,  which  is  certainly 
most  powerful  in  passion,  interest,  character  and  situation.  I  wrote 
to  Dr.  Griffin  of  Limerick  to  inquire  the  price  at  which  he  would  sell 
the  work,  and  took  a  copy  of  the  letter.  Began  a  careful  investigation 
of  Money.  Left  the  theatre  without  receiving  any  answer  or  notice 
from  Mr.  Webster.  I  do  not  understand  him.  His  business  is 
stopped  by  his  own  conduct  when  least  he  can  afford  it.  Found 
Forster  at  home  playing  cards  with  my  family. 

October  4t?i. — Read,  cut,  and  remarked  on  Bulwer's  comedy  of 
Money.  Helped  Willie  in  his  lessons.  Forster  came  to  dinner.  After- 
wards read  the  play  of  Gisippus.  It  is  a  wonderful  play.  All  were 
charmed  with  it. 

October  5th. — Wrote  a  note  to  Bulwer  with  the  remarks  upon 
Money.  Marked  two  acts  and  a  half  of  Nina  Sforza.  Went  to  theatre. 
Heard  there  most  extraordinary  news  that  Braham — whom  I  recollect 
worth  X90,000 — was  obliged  to  be  out  of  the  way  and  leave  the 
country — that  the  Covent  Garden  actors  had  signed  a  declaration  of 
allegiance  and  support  to  Madame  Vestris. 

October  6th. — Went  to  Covent  Garden  theatre  to  see  Knowles's 
play  of  John  of  Procida.  I  paid  for  entrance — a  slight  reproach,  I 
think,  to  the  manners,  taste,  and  feeling  of  the  present  management. 
The  play  was  not  interesting ;  there  were  good  scenes,  or  rather  parts 
of  good  scenes,  in  it.  Mr.  Anderson  was  by  far  the  best  actor  in  the 
play ;  he  is  much  improved.  I  saw  an  interlude  after  it,  full  of  prac- 
tical jokes,  which  was  very  fairly  acted  by  Messrs.  Keeley  and 
Mathews,  but  it  was  poor  stuff.  I  was,  or  seemed  to  be,  quite  unknown 
in  the  theatre,  where  not  a  year  and  a  half  ago  I  was  the  observed  of 
all  observers.  Such  is  the  world  !  Walked  home  thinking  on  my  art, 
and  meditating  on  Othello. 

October  1th. — Wrote  a  note,  which  I  meant  to  be  kind  and 
pleasant,  to  Mr.  Anderson  on  his  performance  of  last  night.  Read 
over  as  much  as  I  could  Mr.  F.  Barham's  play  of  Socrates,  in  which 
Socrates  calls  his  wife,  Xantippe — Tippet.  Wrote  a  note  to  the 
author  upon  it.  Marked  three  acts  of  the  comedy  of  Money.  Zouch 
Troughton  called ;  went  over  with  him  the  alterations  of  the  tragedy 
of  Nina  Sforza,  with  which  he  was  satisfied  ;  he  took  the  book  with 
him  for  insertions.  Went  to  the  theatre.  Acted  Richard  Cromwell 
well.     Spoke  to  Mr.  Willmott  before  the  play,  who  seemed.  T  thought, 

87 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

to  lack  towards  me  the  "alacrity  and  cheer  of  mind  that  he  was  wont 
to  have."  All  does  not  seem  right  to  me.  My  name  is  not  in  the 
posting-bills  of  this  week — the  first  time  I  have  noted  its  absence. 
Mr.  Webster  has  offered  no  explanation  of  the  rude  and  intemperate 
letters  addressed  to  me  last  week — which  makes  it  seem  to  me  impos- 
sible that  he  can  have  the  purpose  or  the  po'toer  of  working  out  any 
further  engagement  with  me ;  this  makes  me  uneasy,  and  I  do  not 
clearly  see  what  I  ought  to  do.  God  direct  and  guide  me  for  the 
good  of  my  blessed  family.  Miss  H.  Faucit  spoke  with  me  about  her 
acting.  She  also  mentioned  things  of  Mr.  Webster  that  strengthened 
my  apprehensions.  Found  Forster  at  home ;  talked  of  the  Haymarket 
engagement ;  he  is  a  person  of  temper,  therefore  a  bad  counsellor. 
We  talked  much  of  these  disagreeable  circumstances. 

October  8th. — Gave  lessons  to  some  of  the  children,  and  revolved 
much  the  decisive  step  I  was  about  to  take  in  relinquishing  my  engage- 
ment for  next  season  at  the  Haymarket ;  but  reflection  showed  me 
its  necessity.  Looked  over  the  newspaper.  Wrote  notes  to  Forster, 
entreating  him  not  to  mix  me  up  \\ith  the  question  of  producing 
Bulwer's  play  at  the  Haymarket,  and  not  to  withdraw  it  on  account 
of  the  step  I  was  about  to  take — viz.  of  withdrawing  from  the  tlieatre 
after  the  present  season.  Wrote  to  Brydone,  asking  him  to  call  and 
speak  to  me.  Wrote  out  the  copy  of  my  letter  to  Mr.  Webster. 
Brydone  called,  and  in  a  conversation,  strictly  confidential,  acquainted 
me  with  the  present  state  of  the  finances,  etc.,  of  Covent  Garden 
theatre.  They  are  not  such  as  would  justify  my  acting  upon  the 
speculation  of  the  management  seeking  me,  the  only  way  in  which 
it  shall  ever  come  to  me — for  I  will  not  seek  it.  I  told  him  what 
had  passed  at  the  Haymarket,  and  he  was  rejoiced  at  the  prospect 
of  my  departure  from  it.  W^ent  to  theatre.  Mr.  Webster,  it  seems, 
only  received  my  letter,  declining  any  engagement  beyond  the  present 
season,  as  he  came  to  dress.  Before  the  play  began,  he  came  into 
my  room  in  great  tribulation  and  humiliation  ;  he  began  to  talk  and 
say  he  had  instructed  Mr.  AVillmott  to  carry  me  an  ofiicial  message, 
which  I  told  him  Mr.  Willmott  had  not  done  (nor  do  I  believe  he  was 
so  instructed) ;  he  almost  wept.  I  listened,  and  quietly  observed  upon 
his  conduct,  but  he  was  obliged  to  go  on  the  stage. 

October  9th. — Was  very  glad  to  receive  a  note  of  grateful 
acknowledgment  from  Mr.  Anderson.  Marked  and  punctuated 
two  acts  of  the  comedy  of  Money.  Played  at  piquet  in  order  to 
learn   the  game  for  the   new  play.   Money.     Forster  called.     I   had 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

previously   read  Humphrey,   ^vhich   amuses  me,   but  it   does   not  rise 
in  strength. 

October  10th. — Looked  at  the  newspaper.  Received  an  additional 
packet  of  lines  in  verse  to  be  added  to  Mr.  Adair's  play,  which  now 
exceeds  7,700  lines!  Helen  Faucit  wished  to  speak  with  me  about 
her  engagement.  I  gave  her  the  book  of  Nina  Sforza  to  mark  her  part 
by.  Willmott  came  and  talked  long  about  the  new  comedy — the 
business  of  the  theatre,  etc.  I  suggested  Othello ;  Mr.  Webster  was 
down-stairs  as  I  went  to  speak  to  Willmott,  and  kept  me  talking  very 
long,  convincing  me  that  he  is  a  man  without  sense. 

October  12t/i. — Was  occupied  the  whole  of  the  morning  with  the 
completion  of  the  MS.  of  Money.  Received  a  letter  from  Dr.  Griffin, 
declining  to  sell  the  play  of  Gisippus. 

October  ISth. — Looked  at  the  newspaper,  in  which  I  read  the 
notice  of  the  opening  of  Drury  Lane  theatre  with  Concerts  d'Hiver. 
Not  one  word  of  regret,  remonstrance,  or  concern  at  this  perversion 
of  the  edifice  from  its  purposes ;  not  a  whisper  of  complaint  against 
the  tyranny  that  gives  to  it  the  power  of  preventing  other  theatres 
from  acting  Shakspeare,  whilst  it  cannot  or  will  not  represent  the 
drama  itself!  Went  to  the  theatre  to  rehearse  The  Stranger. 
Returning,  called  on  Dickens  and  appointed  to  go  with  him  to  the 
theatre.  Gave  the  afternoon  to  make  Willie  do  and  understand  his 
lesson,  in  which  I  hope  and  think  I  succeeded.  Called  for  Dickens, 
and  went  to  see  The  Spanish  Curate  at  Covent  Garden;  with  the 
exception  of  Messrs.  Anderson  and  Keeley  the  play  was  very,  very 
badly  acted,  dressed  with  no  regard  to  costume,  and,  upholstered 
for  all  times,  the  characters  were  not  understood.  I  expected  and 
sat  shrinking  to  hear  the  hiss,  which  did  not  come ;  the  audience 
applauded,  though  coldly  and  flatly.  I  cannot  but  see  the  vast 
difference  between  what  Covent  Garden  was,  and  what  it  has 
descended  to,  but  the  public  are  indifferent  to  it,  and  the  Government 
— the  Queen — support  it !  Met  Leigh  Hunt,  Blanchard  and  Forster 
going  out.  Forster  walked  home  with  us.  Acquainted  me  with 
Bulwer's  arrival,  etc.  I  wrote  a  note  to  Bulwer,  with  suggestions, 
and  made  a  parcel  of  his  MS.  to  him. 

October  15th. — Read  the  newspaper  and  looked  over  the  MS.  of 
Money;  to  my  surprise,  found  that  the  part  of  Smooth  had  only 
three  lines  in  the  first  scene  and  not  more  than  seven  in  the  second, 
and  that  I  could  not,  with  any  respect  to  his  pretensions,  propose  such 
a  part  to  Mr.  Wallack.     He  called,  and  I  represented  to  him  what 

89 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1840 

the  part  was,  which  he  did  not  then  wish  to  hear.  I  read  him  one 
scene,  of  which  he  did  not  appear  to  think  much.  He  talked  about 
America,  his  theatre  there,  management,  etc.,  Mr.  C.  Kean  and  other 
topics,  during  a  visit  of  about  two  hours.  Looked  over  Gisippus. 
Went  to  the  theatre ;  acted  Claude  Melnotte  very  fairly ;  was  called 
for  and  very  well  received.  Bulwer  and  Forster  came  into  my  room 
and  had  a  very  long  discussion  on  the  cast  of  Money.  I  at  length, 
on  Bulwer's  account,  authorized  Forster  to  offer  Mr.  Webster  four 
extra  nights  towards  the  engagement  of  Mr.  Vining  for  the  part 
of  Smooth.  Webster  chose,  however,  to  offer  Smooth  to  Mr.  Wallack 
first — and  then,  if  he  declined,  he  agreed  to  engage  Vining. 

October  17f7i. — Dickens,  Mrs.  Dickens  and  friend  with  Maclise 
and  Forster  came  to  dinner.  Read  the  play  of  Gisippus  to  the  party 
after  dinner.  All  were  delighted  with  it.  Dickens  told  me  of  the 
heavy  expenses  of  Humphrey's  Cloclc  eating  up  so  very  much  of  the 
profits.     I  was  grieved  to  hear  of  it. 

October  18th. — Bulwer  called  and  read  to  us  the  alterations,  which 
I  thought  very  good.  I  then  read  to  him  three  acts  of  the  comedy, 
with  which  he  seemed  greatly  delighted.  Corrected  and  cut  the  two 
first  acts  of  tlie  comedy  of  Money. 

October  19th. — Went  to  rehearsal — took  pains,  not  pleased  with 
the  self-sufficiency  of  Mr.  Wallack,  whom  I  thought  very  indifferent 
as  an  actor.  Forster  gave  me  a  mem.  of  the  toasts  to  be  drunk  at 
Dickens's  dinner  to-morrow.  What  would  I  not  do  for  dear  Dickens? 
— but  I  had  rather  take  so  many  doses  of  physic  than  drink  my  own 
toasts;  "the  miserable!  "  Webster  came  into  the  room,  and  Forster 
gave  him  a  letter  from  Sir  E.  Bulwer  to  which  he  readily  agreed. 

October  ^Oth. — Dined  with  Dickens.  Met  his  artists,  Cattermole 
and  Browne ;  publishers,  Chapman  &  Hall ;  printers,  Bradbury  & 
Evans;  also  Egan,  Harley,  Talfourd,  Forster,  T.  Hill,  Maclise.  A 
ver}'  cheerful  day. 

October  ^^nd. — Read  in  the  newspaper  the  sentence  of  the  court 
martial  on  Captain  Reynolds — a  sentence  that  in  my  mind  stamps  the 
profession  of  the  Army  with  the  brand  of  slavery — as  the  vilest  and 
most  contemptible  of  all  the  means  that  men  have  invented  in  this 
world  of  deceit  and  falsehood  to  get  bread  or  notoriety  by.  Bulwer 
came  round  with  Forster,  and  talked  long  about  the  play  and  other 
matters.  Webster  I  sent  for  wlien  they  were  gone,  and  explained  to 
him  that  it  was  needful  to  come  to  an  understanding,  if  I  remained 
with  him — or  that  we  should  part.  He  would  not  hear  of  this,  and 
90 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

after  much  idle  palaver  promised  to  agree  to  anything  that  I  might 
write  down  in  my  agreement.  News  of  Lord  Holland's  ^  death  was 
brought  to  the  theatre  by  Lunn.  I  felt  extremely  concerned  at  the 
intelligence,  for  though  I  did  not  know  him,  I  always  regarded  him 
as  a  most  kind  and  liberal  man.  As  we  observe  the  contemporaries 
dropping  away  thus  rapidly  amid  all  the  passion  and  strife  upon  petty 
and  worldly  things,  we  ought  to  learn — what  we  scarcely  ever  do — the 
folly  of  fretting  or  concerning  ourselves  about  anything  beyond  the 
real  duty  of  the  present  hour,  that  if  the  next  be  that  of  death,  we 
may  meet  it  well,  and  ending  well,  do  all  well. 

October  S,2rd. — I>ooked  at  the  newspaper;  disgusted  and  indignant 
with  the  officers  of  tlie  court  martial.  Gave  the  whole  day  till  half- 
past  twelve  o'clock  to  the  comedy  of  Money.  Forster  came  to  dinner. 
Again  returned  to  Money. 

October  9,4>th. — Looked  at  the  newspaper,  and  again  sufered — 
really  suffered — from  the  violent  feelings  of  indignation  and  disgust 
with  which  I  laboured  under  the  injustice  of  these  military  authorities, 
and  the  cowardly  dereliction  of  all  manly  principle  evinced  by  the 
court  martial  on  Captain  Reynolds.  Looked  over  what  I  could  of  the 
comedy  of  Money.  Went  to  the  theatre  and  read  it  to  the  company, 
who  were  very  much  excited  by  it.  It  was  quite  successful  with  them. 
Willmott  told  me  of  Mr.  Wallack — that  he  had  stated  in  the  green- 
room he  had  refused  the  part  of  Smooth.  I  know  this  man  well,  and 
will  have  as  little  as  possible  to  do  with  him. 

October  25t7i. — After  dinner  continued  my  work  on  Money,  about 
which  I  begin  to  have  my  usual  apprehensions. 

October  26f/i. — Looked  at  the  paper,  sympathizing  with  every 
sentiment  of  indignation  against  Cardigan,  Horse  Guards,  Ministers, 
court  martial  and  Court. 

October  9nth. — Attended  to  the  new  comedy  of  Money,  giving 
my  afternoon  to  it.  Forster  called — as  I  supposed — to  dine,  but 
perceived  there  was  a  party,  and  took  his  leave.  Attended  to  house 
affairs.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Braysher,  Miss  Faucit,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hall, 
Blanchard,  AV.  Boxall,  and  Stone  dined  with  us,  and  we  passed  a 
very  quiet  cheerful  day.     Received  a  note  from  Bulwer. 

October  ^Sth. — Wrote  a  hasty  note  of  appointment  to  Bulwer. 
Went  to  the  rehearsal  of  Money,  at  the  end  of  which  Bulwer  came 

^  Henry  Richard  Vassall,  third  Lord  HoUand  (1773-1840),  at  the  time  of  his  death 
Chancellor  of  the  Duchy  of  Lancaster  in  Lord  Melbourne's  Cabinet.  Though  not  prominent 
as  a  statesman,  he  was  a  cultured  Whig  of  enlightened  views  who  is  chiefly  memorable  as 
the  courtly  and  genial  Mrecenas  of  Holland  House. 

91 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

with  a  note  of  the  dresses  of  the  various  characters.  Came  home 
extremely  tired,  and  slept,  or  tried  to  sleep,  the  whole  afternoon — 
at  least,  as  much  as  I  had  of  afternoon.  Acted  Claude  Melnotte  very 
fairly ;  was  called  for  and  well  received.  Spoke  again  to  H.  Faucit 
about  going  to  Paris.  Came  home  so  very  tired  that  I  went  up-stairs 
directly  to  bed. 

October  29t/?. — Went  to  the  theatre  where  I  rehearsed  three  acts 
of  Money.  Spoke  to  Mr.  Webster  about  the  scenery  and  dresses  of 
thef  play  of  Money,  observing  to  him  most  emphatically  that  I  did 
not  wish  to  have  anything  whatever  to  do  with  them — that  I  would 
aid  the  acting  as  much  as  I  could,  but  that  I  had  rather  he  arranged 
the  other  matters  in  his  own  way.  But  that  was  not  his  wish.  Found 
Forster  at  home,  who  had  convoyed  the  family  and  Mrs.  Carlyle  to 
see  Madame  Laffarge  at  the  Adelphi !  !  ! 

October  31st. — Acted  The  Stranger  feebly.  Spoke  with  Helen 
Faucit  after  the  play.  She  told  me  that  Mr.  Farren  had  said,  on 
the  faith  of  Mr.  Robertson,  that  on  one  occasion  1000  persons  went  in 
free  during  my  management ! ! ! 

November  3rd. — Indignant  and  disgusted  with  a  letter  written  by 
Captain  Reynolds,  in  the  most  abject  phrase  and  tone  receding  from  the 
line  of  defence  he  had  taken  up,  and  throwing  himself  on  the  mercy 
of  his  Gracious  Mistress.  Is  there  a  more  contemptible  person  than 
an  English  soldier,  if  the  principles  broached  by  the  senior  officers 
of  this  court  martial,  and  acquiesced  in  by  the  Army,  are  to  be 
received  as  their  rules  of  guidance?  Rehearsed  with  care  two  acts 
of  Money.  Spoke  to  Mr.  Strickland,  who  (from  himself)  expressed 
himself  obliged  if  I  would  assist  him  with  his  part  of  Sir  John  Vesey 
— upon  which  I  appointed  to-morrow  for  our  meeting. 

November  4t/i. — Mr.  Strickland  called,  and  I  gave  the  whole 
morning  to  him,  explaining  and  acting  to  him  the  part  of  Sir  John 
Vesey  in  Bulwer's  comedy — from  half-past  ten  to  three  o'clock.  He 
seemed  much  obliged,  and  expressed  himself  most  anxious  to  do  what 
I  had  shown  him,  if  he  could.  Acted  Claude  Melnotte  very  well — 
with  great  spirit,  but  with  very  little  applause — to  a  wretched 
Haymarkct  audience.     Was  called  for  and  well  received. 

November  5t/i. — Went  to  the  theatre,  where  I  spent  two  hours 
in  the  rehearsal  of  one  page  of  the  club  scene  in  the  new  comedy.  As 
I  write,  doubt  and  misgivings  arise  in  my  mind.  I  have  nothing  great 
or  striking  in  situation,  character,  humour,  or  passion  to  develop. 
The  power  of  all  this  is  thrown  on  Mr.  Strickland  and  partially  on 
92 


1840]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

Mr.  Webster.  Went  to  the  theatre,  and  acted  Werner  fairly.  I  am 
playing  with  two  persons — Messrs.  Wallack  and  Phelps — who  both 
think  themselves  great  actors,  and  imagine  one  great  evidence  of 
their  own  talent  is  to  frustrate  or  weaken  the  effects  of  their  superiors. 
November  1th. — Gave  the  children  their  lessons.  Looked  at  the 
newspapers,  and  was  especially  disgusted  to  see  Jerdan  yielding  a  sort 
of  assent  to  the  pretension  of  character  on  the  part  of  that  wretched 
fellow  Bunn — actually  recommending  him  to  make  another  essay !  !  ! 
What  a  thing  this  Press  is — all  that  is  brutal,  base,  and  blackguard  is 
concentrated  in  its  trade,  and  with  the  rare  exceptions  of  Fonblanque 
and  a  few  others,  there  is  not  a  gentleman  to  be  found  throughout  the 
mass  of  them.  Letter  from  Mr.  George  Stephens,  informing  me  his 
play  is  rejected,  evidently  very  sore  upon  it — as  all  authors  are ;  I  am 
very  sorry  for  him.  Went  to  the  theatre  under  convoy  of  a  rude 
cabman,  whom  I  parted  company  with  very  quietly  under  a  threat  of 
summons — nothing  like  temper.  The  time  has  been  that  I  might 
have  been  angry,  and  have  been  embroiled.  I  knew  myself  right  and 
was  satisfied  to  he  so.  If  we  could  in  every  affair  of  life  be  the  same, 
i.  e.  satisfied  with  knowing  ourselves  right,  how  much  wiser  and  happier 
we  should  be !     Rehearsed  the  club  scene  in  the  new  comedy. 

November  9th. — Read  the  play  of  Money,  and  received  a  letter 
from  Bulwer  with  alterations  in  it.  Went  to  the  Hopes'  house,  and 
was  greatly  pleased  in  the  hasty  saunter  we  made  through  the  gallery 
with  the  wealth  of  art  it  contains — his  Etruscan  vases  and  antiquities, 
his  sculpture  gallery,  and  the  various  specimens  of  the  great  masters 
of  the  Italian,  but  particularly  of  the  Dutch  and  Flemish  schools,  are, 
I  think,  as  an  ensemble,  unique  in  England.  They  are  very  fittingly 
and  tastefully  arranged.^  Wrote  a  note  of  acknowledgment  to  Mr. 
Hope.    Acted  Werner  unequally — being  much  fatigued,  and  made  very 

nervous  by  the  shocking  state  of  intoxication  in  which  Mr.  was ; 

not  assisted  by  the  acting  of  Mr.  Wallack.  W^as  called  for  and  well 
received.  Mrs.  Carlyle  had  accompanied  our  family  to  the  theatre. 
Forster  came  round  and  spoke  with  Mr.  W^ebster  about  Mr.  . 

November  10th. — Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bishop,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brockedon, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dickens,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Warren,  Beazley,  Cartwright, 
and  Price  came  to  dinner. 

November  11th. — Went  to  the  theatre,  and  heard  that  Mr.  

had  been  again  intoxicated  last  night,  and  found  that  Mr.  Strickland 

^  The  collections  were  formed  by  Thomas  Hope  (1770-1831),  the  author  of  AtiastanttSf 
and  owner  of  Deepdene,  which  also  contained  many  priceless  works  of  art. 

93 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1840 

was  too  ill  to  attend  rehearsal.  It  was  useless  to  make  any  attempt 
to  rehearse,  Mrs.  Glover  being  also  absent.  We  talked  what  was  best 
to  be  done.  Agreed  to  go  to  the  Olympic  and  see  an  actor  called 
Roxby.  I  went  to  Forster's  chambers  and  requested  him  to  go.  I 
found  him  angry  about  an  impertinence  of  Messrs.  Meadows  and  C. 
Mathews  regarding  myself.  I  begged  him  not  to  think  of  anything 
so  miserably  mean.  Went  to  theatre,  acted  Claude  Meliiotte — 
miequall}'  in  some  parts,  the  third  act  excellently,  with  great  spirit 
and  feeling.  W^as  called  for  and  well  received.  Spoke  to  Mr. 
Webster,  who  still  clings  to  Mr.  . 

November  l^th. — Gave  the  morning,  not  very  sternly  or  diligently, 
to  the  reading  of  Money.  A  boy  called  for  an  order  for  Mr.  Barnes  ^ 
of  the  Times  office !  I  told  him  he  was  fortunate  that  I  did  not  give 
him  in  custody  to  a  police  officer.  Went  to  theatre.  ^Villmott  came 
into  my  room,  and  gave  his  opinion  in  favour  of  engaging  Mr.  Roxby. 
Acted  Werner — in  parts  very  well,  seeing  some  persons  in  the  house 
whom   I  fancied  I   should  like  to  please.     Was   called   for  and  y>e\\ 

received.     Mr.  Webster  spoke  to  me  in  favour  of  Mr.  ,  and  told 

me  he  had  made  an  agreement  with  Mr.  Forster ;  showed  me  a  letter 
of  protestation  from  INIr. ;  but  a  drunkard's  vow  of  sobriety! 

November  VSth. — Received  a  most  kind  and  candid  exposition  of 
the  state  of  the  public  theatrical  feeling  at  Plymouth  from  Wightwick, 
giving  it  as  his  opinion  that  the  town  would  be  more  likely  to  make 
greater  houses  to  Mr.  C.  Kean  than  to  me — a  piece  of  information 
which  I  received  with  the  most  placid  philosophy.  Went  to  the 
theatre,  where  I  rehearsed  three  acts,  or  the  better  part  of  three  acts, 
of  the  new  comedy.  Forster  called  in  and  spoke  about  my  engage- 
ment with  Mr.  Webster.  Mr.  Wrench  '  came  to  dine,  and  after 
dinner  we  gave  the  whole  evening  to  his  learning  the  game  of  piquet. 
In  bed  read  the  two  numbers  33  and  34  of  Humphrey's  Clock,  and  was 
deeply  touched  and  delighted  by  34. 

November  14£/i. — Received  a  letter  from  Bulwer  with  further 
alterations,  which  I  thought  improvements.  Went  to  the  theatre 
and  rehearsed  with  much  care  two  scenes — only  two  scenes  in  three 
hours — of  the  play,  which  really  ought,  well  acted,  to  be  a  success; 
it  is  most  painful  to  see  the  desperate  hazard  it  incurs  in  this  theatre. 
Forster  came  in   and   saw  part  of  the  rehearsal,  with   which  he   was 

^  Mr.    Barnes   was  apparently  only  <ine   degree   less  objectionable   to    Macready   than 
Mr.   Bunn. 

-  Benjamin  Wrench  {1778-1S43),  a  successful  light-comedy  actor. 

94 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

greatly  pleased.  Mr.  Webster  came  to  express  his  wish  to  leave  the 
rehearsal,  in  order  to  go  to  a  sale  and  make  a  bargain  o£  some 
card-tables !  Came  home  with  Forster,  and,  after  dinner,  half  asleep, 
wrote  a  letter  to  Bulwer.  Rested,  overcome  with  fatigue.  Read  Sir 
Oswin  Mortland.  Went  to  the  theatre.  Acted  Sir  Oswin  very  feebly, 
being  completely  paralyzed  by  the  vulgarity  of  Mrs.  Glover.  Will- 
mott  spoke  to  me  after  the  play  about  the  manner  in  which  the  theatre 
is  carried  on.     The  curtain  would  not  descend  at  the  close — the  man 

had  gone  away !     Coming  home  found  a  letter  from  Mrs.  ,  whom 

I  think  very  anxious  to  dispose  of  her  virtue  from  the  stress  she  lays 
upon  it.     Entered  Bulwer 's  alterations. 

November  15th. — Rose  rather  earlier  than  usual,  but  was  detained 
long  in  my  dressing-room  by  my  affairs  de  toilette  and  the  hymns  of 
my  little  darlings.  Read  Money,  and  learned  it,  and  practised  a  little 
in  Werner,  enough  to  show  me  that  I  need  much  exercise  in  my  art. 
Attended  to  Money  the  whole  morning. 

November  16th. — At  the  theatre,  rehearsed  with  much  pains  and 
care  the  first,  twice  over,  and  half  the  second  act  of  Money.  Forster 
was  there,  and  nearly  becoming  disagreeable  to  the  actors.  After  the 
play  spoke  to  Strickland  about  his  part  in  the  new  play,  and  gave  him 
all  the  encouragement  I  could. 

November  17t/i. — Had  a  carriage  for  the  day,  and  went  in  it  to  the 
theatre — reading  Money,  the  second  and  third  acts  of  which  I  rehearsed 
there.  Bulwer  and  Forster  came  in ;  the  play  is  in  a  seriously  backward 
and  ineffective  state.  Called  on  Rogers,  and  sat  some  time  with  him. 
Proposed  to  him  the  plan  for  the  monument  to  Mrs.  Siddons,  into 
which  he  warmly  entered,  observing  that  Mrs.  Siddons  had  said  to 
him,  on  the  occasion  of  her  brother's  monument,  "I  hope,  Mr. 
Rogers,  that  one  day  justice  will  be  done  to  women."  He  cordially 
took  it  up.  Proceeded  to  Lady  Blessington,  from  whom  I  could  not 
get  away  for  a  long  time.  I  staid  an  hour  and  a  half.  My  guests, 
Dickenses,  Mr.  King,  and  Forster  had  arrived.  We  were  very  cheerful. 
After  dinner  I  read  to  them  the  comedy  of  Money,  with  which  they 
all  expressed  themselves  greatly  pleased.  Dickens  said  he  had  not 
supposed  that  Bulwer  could  do  anything  so  good. 

November  18th. — Went  to  the  theatre;  rehearsed  with  much  care 
and  much  exertion  the  fourth  and  fifth  acts  of  Money,  Avhich  we  got 
into  a  rough  shape.  Was  painfully  struck  to  see  dearest,  dearest 
Henry.  He  looked  so  sad  and  is  so  thin.  I  fear,  I  fear  I  shall  lose 
that  darling  boy.    God,  oh  God !  bless  him,  and  spare  him  to  me ;  but 

95 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

Thou  has  given,  and  it  is  in  Thy  Divine  Wisdom  to  take  away !  Thy 
Will  be  done,  oh,  good  and  blessed  God !  But  while  he  hves  I  must 
implore  Thee  to  spare  him — spare  him — spare  him  !  Went  to  the 
theatre,  and  acted  Claude  Melnotte  with  considerable  spirit,  which  is 
a  virtue  in  my  acting  that  I  fear  I  am  losing  at  the  Haymarket  theatre. 
I  hope  not. 

November  Idth. — Acted  Werner  in  parts  extremely  well,  but  I 
cannot  play  as  I  ought  with  Mr.  W^allack.  Bulwer  came  into  my 
room,  greatly  pleased.  Was  called  for  and  very  well  received.  Bulwer 
talked  much  about  the  comedy.  Webster  came  in  after  haggling  about 
his  broker's  bargains.     He  will  spoil  the  play  yet.     He  will! 

November  20f/i. — Very  much  fatigued  by  the  wakeful  night  I  had 
tiirough  the  dear,  dear  little  Henry,  who  seems  falling  back.  My  heart 
rises  in  prayer  to  God  for  him — dearest  boy  !  Gave  the  children  their 
lessons — which  I  am  not,  with  my  own  business,  equal  to.  Went  to 
theatre.  Rehearsed  with  much  pains  the  three  first  acts  of  Money, 
in  which  I  find  I  have  very  little  to  do,  but  I  must  strive  to  make 
the  most  of  it.  Bulwer  came  to  the  rehearsal.  D'Orsay  called  to  see 
what  I  wanted.  I  inquired  of  him  his  hatter,  the  mode  of  keeping 
accounts  at  the  clubs  in  play,  about  servants,  etc.  It  was  very  kind 
in  him.  A  long  debate  about  announcing  the  play,  which  was  fixed 
for  Thursday,  etc.  Gave  the  whole  evening  to  the  cutting,  arranging, 
and  preparing  Money.     Wrote  out  the  whole  club  scene.     Very  late. 

November  21sL — Went  to  the  theatre.  Bulwer  was  there,  and 
Forster  during  part  of  the  morning.  Much  of  the  play  went  so  heavily 
and  unsatisfactorily  that  Bulwer  became  very  nervous — quite  ill- 
tempered,  and  spoke  harshly  to  the  actors — haughtily,  I  should  say, 
certainly  unphilosophically ;  but  how  much  has  he  to  excuse  the 
manifestation  of  his  suffering!  I  quite  feel  for  him.  I  did  and  said 
all  I  could.  Did  not  reach  home  till  nearly  half-past  four  o'clock. 
Spoke  to  Miss  Helen  Faucit  wishing  her  to  act  at  the  rehearsal  on 
Monday  morning. 

November  22nd. — Dearest  Henry  not  much  better,  having  had  a 
very  disturbed  night,  from  which  dearest  Catherine  had  suffered  also. 
Darling  Joan  ill  too!  God  bless  and  restore  them.  Gave  the  entire 
of  the  remainder  of  the  day  to  the  reading  and  study  of  Evelyn,  which 
is  long,  and  not,  I  fear,  profitable.^  Forster  came  to  dinner.  The 
evening  employed  with  Evelyn. 

*  He   denounced    the    character,    and    with    some    justice,    as   a    "damned     walkiii 
gentleman.'" 

96 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

November  23rd. — Was  awoke  last  night  almost,  as  it  seemed,  every 
quarter  of  an  hour,  by  the  cries  and  fretfulness  of  my  darhng  Uttle 
Henry — who  was  very  ill  through  the  whole  night.  1  gave  the  children 
their  lessons,  and  when  I  went  into  the  next  room  to  look  at  my  dear 
suffering  boy  I  was  shocked  and  cut  to  the  very  heart  to  see  the  little 
wasted,  emaciated  child,  lying  in  a  state  of  exhaustion  on  the  nurse's 
lap.  This  is  what  was  once  my  lovely  boy — the  dear,  dear  blessed 
child !  My  heart  clings  to  him,  and  to  God  Almighty  I  raise  my 
thoughts  in  earnest  prayers,  imploring  his  restoration.  Oh  God,  in 
Thee  alone  is  my  hope.  I  beseech  Thee  to  give  him  back  to  health 
and  happy  life.  Went  to  theatre,  and  rehearsed  the  three  last  acts 
of  Money,  which  certainly  appeared  to  me,  through  the  whole  of  Mr. 
Strickland's  part  and  much  of  Mr.  Wrench's,  dull  and  dangerous. 
Bulwer  and  Forster  were  so  impressed  with  this  that  they  decided  on 
withdrawing  the  play.  I  pointed  out  to  Bulwer  the  consideration  due 
to  Weljster,  and  suggested  its  retention  till  the  summer,  when  Farren 
might  be  engaged  to  act  the  part — the  only  chance  for  it !  He  entered 
into  the  idea,  and  conferred  with  Webster  and  Forster,  and,  when  I 
went  up  to  ascertain  if  it  was  to  be  withdrawn  or  not,  I  found  them 
in  debate — Mr.  Webster  declaring  that  he  should  be  bankrupted  if  it 

was  (but  it  was  the  agreement  that  Sir  E.  L.  B should  withdraw 

it  at  the  last  moment  if  not  satisfied  with  the  acting)  and  Bulwer  pro- 
posing either  to  withdraw  it  till  the  summer,  or  postpone  its  perform- 
ance a  few  days  till  a  new  scene  could  be  substituted  to  end  the  fourth 
act ;  Mr.  Webster  adverse  to  both,  and  insisting  on  his  confidence  of 
the  play's  success  1 — which  he  has  not  seen  rehearsed!!  It  was  left 
for  a  final  trial  at  to-morrow's  rehearsal.  Went  home  and,  thank  God, 
received  better  accounts  of  dear  Henry. 

November  24t/t. — Gave  the  dear  children  their  lessons.  Thought 
darling  little  Henry  better — God  bless  him  !  Left  home  early,  w-ent  to 
Jackson's  and  tried  on  my  pantaloons — amused  with  the  extreme  pains 
taken  to  avoid  a  wrinkle.  Thomas,  the  bootmaker,  was  sent  for,  and 
was  as  much  empresse  to  have  the  sit  to  perfection.  Went  to  the 
theatre,  where  Bulwer  was ;  he  gave  me,  reading  it  to  us,  the  scene 
he  had  altered  for  the  fourth  act ;  it  was  a  great  improvement.  Re- 
hearsed with  great  care  the  three  first  acts  of  Money,  which  looked 
with  golden  promise.  Spoke  to  Bulwer  about  his  mode  of  speaking 
to  Miss  Faucit,  etc.  He  was  instantly  sensible  of  it,  and  anxious 
to  apologize  to  her — he  is  a  gentlemanly-minded  man.  He  spoke  quite 
affectionately  about  dear  little  Henry.     Note  from  Lady  Blessington 

VOL.  II.  H  97 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

inquiring  about  the  production  of  the  play,  which  I  answered.  Called 
at  Ashmead's  for  a  hat,  and  found  D'Orsay  had  been  there  to  speak 
about  one  for  me !  Gave  the  afternoon,  though  much  fatigued,  to 
the  consideration  of  the  altered  scene,  Act  IV.  Went  to  theatre. 
Acted  Claude  Melnotte  very  well ;  was  called  for  and  well  received. 
Spoke  to  Strickland  about  his  acting,  to  Miss  H.  Faucit  about  her  low 
tones  in  speaking.  Forster  was  present,  wiio  told  me  Bulwer  had 
dedicated  this  play  to  him  ;  he  has  merited  it.  Si)oke  to  Webster  about 
the  properties,  etc.,  of  the  play.     Gave  him  my  engagement. 

November  25t/i. — Felt  satisfied,  in  having  passed  much  of  the  night 
without  sleep,  that  my  beloved  child  was  better — was  told  that  he  was, 
and  went  to  the  theatre  relieved  in  heart  and  thankful  for  his  advance- 
ment, though  little.  Had  glanced  over  the  paper  and  seen  some  verses, 
which  I  did  not  read,  from  the  republican  Leigh  Hunt  to  the  Queen 
on  her  infant !  At  the  theatre  rehearsed  the  fourth  and  fifth  acts  of 
the  new  play,  arranging  and  repeating  frequently  the  new  scene. 
Bulwer  and  Forster  were  there — the  latter  annoyed  me  by  his  assump- 
tion. Spoke  to  Mr.  W^ebster  about  my  engagement,  mentioning  my 
wish  to  arrange  the  revivals,  etc.,  for  the  ensuing  season,  to  which  he 
assented,  taking  no  exception  to  the  terms  of  the  engagement.  I  came 
home  and  applied  myself,  wearied  as  I  was,  after  I  had  slept  some 
little  while,  for  I  could  not  hold  up  my  head,  to  learning  the  words  of 
the  new  scene.  I  was  depressed  by  the  news  that  Henry  was  not  better, 
which  always  means  in  sickness  that  the  sufferer  is  worse,  and  that 
dearest  little  Joan  was  very  ill  indeed — dangerously  so.  The  whole 
afternoon  and  evening  were  spent  in  misery.  Mr.  Pope  came  and  went 
— was  sent  for  again,  Joan's  symptoms  becoming  more  and  more  alarm- 
ing, her  insensibility  continuing ;  came,  went  to  seek  for  Dr.  Elliotson, 
whom  he  brought  to  see  her.  Elliotson  ordered  more  leeches  and 
medicine,  and  told  me  that  it  was  very  alarming,  but  not  quite 
desperate,  that  if  there  were  no  hope  he  would  tell  me  so.  I  saw 
Henry  two  or  three  times — he  let  me  kiss  him  once.  My  forebodings 
are  fast  becoming  prophetic.  I  shall  not  kiss  that  blessed  face  in  life 
much  oftener.  He  is  to  he  taken  from  me — I  feel  that  I  shall  lose 
that  dear,  dear,  blessed  child.  Oh  God,  God!  if  it  may  be,  restore 
him  to  me.  If  not.  Thy  will  must  be  done.  Oh  God!  Unable  to 
do  anything  but  think  and  fear.  Oh  God  !  I  left  my  study  to  go  up 
to  bed — as  well  as  I  can  remember,  for  my  head  is  not  clear  upon  the 
exact  course  of  wretched  circumstances  that  seemed  in  some  sort  to 
stupefy  me.     I  went  up  to  the  nursery  to  see  how  dearest  Joan  was. 

98 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

Catherine  waved  me  back  with  her  hand,  and  begged  me  not  to  come — 
that  I  could  do  no  good.  I  felt — I  do  not  know  what  I  felt — a  strange 
agony,  a  weight  at  my  heart  and  head,  that  made  me  irresolute  and 
tortured  what  to  do.  I  had  nowhere  to  go,  no  one  to  go  to.  All 
were  around  this  blessed  precious  infant  making  despairing  efforts. 
I  threw  myself  on  my  bed  and,  wrapping  the  coverlid  over  my  head, 
lay  in  a  state  of  misery  such  as  I  never  felt  before,  till  dearest  Letty 
came  down  to  me  in  tears,  wrung  my  hand,  and  spoke  a  few  words  to 
me.  I  asked  her  if  the  blessed  creature  was  dead.  My  child,  my 
beautiful,  my  lovely  little  Joan  was  gone ;  I  was  in  a  state  of  desperate 
wretchedness.  Oh  God,  I  am  a  wretched  sinner !  I  know  it — I  acknow- 
ledge it.  Thy  will  is  I  am  to  be  stricken — let  me  hope  to  turn  Thy 
infliction  to  a  healing  purpose.  But  I  scarcely  know  what  I  did,  or 
how  I  felt,  except  that  it  was  unutterable  and  hopeless  agony.  I 
rushed  up-stairs  and  saw  my  sweet  angelic  child  lifeless  on  her  bed. 
I  kissed  her,  felt  her  little  heart,  which  seemed  to  me  to  beat,  I  held 
her  pulse  and  was  assured  that  there  was  life.  Dearest  Catherine  and 
Letitia  caught  with  myself  at  the  hope,  and  we  remained  in  that  dread- 
ful state  of  anxious  hope,  longing  for  the  presence  of  Mr.  Pope,  until 
he  came  to  pronounce  the  dreadful  truth.  My  child  is  dead — my 
blessed,  my  beloved,  my  darling  child.  She  is,  I  hope,  with  God.  I 
stayed  beside  her,  incapable  of  shedding  a  tear — I  was  tranquil — 
wished  to  remain  with  her.  Mr.  Pope  requested  me  to  go,  but  I  said 
that  it  did  not  agitate  me.  I  left  the  dear  body  of  my  infant  at  last 
on  his  representation  that  it  was  necessary  to  attend  to  it.  I  went 
down  into  the  drawing-room  and  sat  there,  whilst  Susan, ^  Letitia  and 
Catherine  alternately  came  in  and  stayed.  About  two  o'clock,  when 
I  heard  she  was  laid  out,  I  went  up  to  see  her.  She  lay  stretched  out 
with  a  smile  on  that  lovely  little  face  like  a  spirit  of  God's  in  slumber. 
How  beautiful,  how  like  a  thing  of  Heaven  the  blessed  creature  looked  ! 
I  wished  to  be  left  alone  with  her,  and  offered  up  my  prayers — the 
prayers  of  penitence  and  resolution — for  bliss  to  her  departed  soul, 
and  for  a  purification  of  my  own  heart,  and  the  manifestation  of  it  in 
an  amended  life.  Christ  tells  the  sinner  to  Go  and  sin  no  more.  I 
will  endeavour  to  sin  no  more,  for  her  dear  memory's  sake  and  the 
\vell-})eing  of  those  precious  ones  whom  God  may  spare  to  me.  Oh 
God  Almighty !  I  bow  before  Thy  will,  I  bend  down  to  Thy  chastening 
inflictions  ;  but  if  it  be  possible — or,  rather,  if  it  may  be  in  accordance 
with  Thy  will — oh  spare  my  darling  Henry,  for  whom  I  fear  almost 
^   Miss  Susan  Atkins,  Mrs.  Macready's  sister. 

99 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

to  utter  absence  of  all  hope.  Oh  God,  hear  me,  and  save  to  lives  of 
virtue  and  wisdom  tlie  remaining  children  Thou  hast  given  to  me.  I 
invoke  Thy  blessing,  oh  God,  on  them,  on  my  beloved  wife,  and  my 
dear  sisters.  .  .  .  This  dreadful  and  unexpected  blow  has  made  me 
think  much  more  on  some  words  which  the  wicked,  or,  I  believe, 
insane  old  woman,  who  kept  the  house  for  Mr.  Boyle,  said  to  me  on 
one  of  my  visits  of  inspection — wishing  to  deter  me  and  every  one 
from  disturbing  her — by  taking  it:  ^^  There  has  been  death  here  I  ^"^ 
It  sank  on  my  mind  as  a  half-prophecy — it  has  been  fulfilled  entirely. 
God  grant  that  there  may  be  happy  and  virtuous  Wfc  for  the  time  to 
come  I 

November  9.6th. — Walked  about  half-past  seven  from  a  short  but 
sound  sleep,  unconscious  of  anything  liaving  happened.  A  few 
minutes,  or  moments,  told  me  that  I  was  bereaved  of  my  sweet  child, 
whom  yesterday  morning  I  had  believed  to  be  in  perfect  safety.  I 
did  not  know  what  to  do — I  felt  as  if  I  could  do  nothing.  I  got  up 
for  the  children's  sake  and  gave  them  their  lessons.  Dear  Willie 
came  weeping  into  my  room,  and  when  I  asked  him  the  cause,  said  : 
"Papa,  I  am  afraid  for  Joan."  I  sent  them  to  have  their  lessons  in 
the  dining-room,  and  went  up  to  look  at  my  dear  dead  cliild.  She 
lay  there — quite  dead — no  hope — gone — and  yet  I  could  not  but  think 
the  bosom  moved  tlie  sheet  over  her,  I  could  not  satisfy  myself  that 
the  cold  marble  figure  before  me  that  was  my  living  child  had  not  still 
consciousness.  Tears  relieved  the  blank  and  heavy  feeling  at  my  heart. 
But  I  could  do  nothing — I  could  only  see  visions  of  the  little  bright- 
eyed  creature,  entering,  from  her  walks,  sitting  at  the  table,  pointing 
out  the  pictures,  calling  the  infant  figures  "Henry,"  or  laughing  in 
her  wild  way  upon  the  stairs.  I  could  do  nothing  but  think  and  dream 
and  weep.  Dr.  Elliotson  called  to  see  Henry — my  blessed,  withering, 
wasting  babe.  His  coming  to  vw  was  reluctant,  and  though  he  tried 
to  shape  his  words  consistently  with  truth  into  the  phrase  and  tone  of 
comfort,  yet  they  only  spoke — confirmation  of  despair.  My  boy,  once 
a  wonder  of  beauty  and  intelligence,  Avill  soon  be  laid  bj'  the  side  of 
liis  sweet  sister — my  babes  will  both  be  lost  to  me  in  this  life.  Forster 
called,  and  was  much  affected  on  seeing  me.  He  had  supposed  that 
it  was  Henry  who  was  gone,  and  when  he  learned  that  dear  Joan  had 
been  taken  from  us,  he  lost  all  self-control.  He  rushed  out  of  the 
study,  and  remained  away  at  least  half-an-hour.  When  he  returned 
he  could  say  nothing ;  he  left  me  greatly  agitated.  Received  a  dear 
and  most  affectionate  note  from  Dickens,  which  comforted  me  as  much 
lOO 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

as  I  can  be  comforted.  But  I  have  lost  my  child.  There  is  no  com- 
fort for  that  sorrow ;  there  is  endurance — that  is  all.  I  will  try  to 
endure  with  resignation  and  reverential  feelings.  Mr.  Bradley  sent 
his  card,  wishing  to  speak  to  me,  afterwards  a  note,  explaining  that 
he  had  only  come  to  offer  his  services  in  making  a  memorial  of  my  dead 
cliild.  I  answered  him  very  gratefully,  explaining  that  any  other 
record  than  that  our  hearts  carried  of  her  lost  beauty  would  be  dis- 
tressing to  us.  Called  in  the  dear  children  and  told  them  of  their 
loss,  exhorting  them  to  bear  it  as  the  will  of  God,  and  making  them 
kneel  down  and  repeat  a  prayer  after  me  for  her  dear  sake,  and  for 
their  own  goodness.  They  were  very  much  affected,  sweet  children ! 
Went  from  time  to  time  to  look  at  my  dear  dead  Babe.  When  she 
was  laid  in  her  coffin  I  went  up  before  Catherine  to  look  at  her.  She 
was  so  lovely,  so  exquisitely,  so  heavenly  pure  and  beautiful,  that  I 
dared  not  trust  dearest  Catherine  to  see  her.  I  felt  it  would  be  too 
much  for  her,  and  entreated  her  not  to  go.  After  an  effort  she  con- 
sented. The  children  said  their  prayers  to  me  at  night,  and  were  all 
affected  as  they  reminded  them  of  dear  Joan's  loss !  Darling  Henry 
is  very  restless  and  in  pain.  Mr.  Pope  has  just  seen  him  and  admin- 
istered something,  persevering  in  his  tone  of  encouragement,  in  which 
I  cannot  trust.  Wrote  out  arrears  of  record.  What  a  record !  Oh 
God  !  I  go  to  bed  more  tranquil,  but  what  is  this  tranquillity  ?  What 
will  heal  the  wound  at  my  heart?  What  or  who  can  give  me  back  my 
child  ?     Oh  God,  forgive  and  pity  me.     Amen  ! 

November  ^Ith. — I  expected  to  find  myself  better  to-day — I  feel 
quite  broken-hearted.  The  thought  of  that  blessed  cherub  haunts  me 
everywhere — and  the  moans  of  this  dear,  dear,  yet  living  child  cut  me 
to  the  very  heart  when  I  hear  them,  and  ring  in  my  ears,  even  when 
beyond  their  sound.  I  want  patience  and  the  virtue  of  tran([uil 
resignation,  for  comfort  there  is  none ;  but  I  must  learn  meekly  and 
calmly  to  endure.  God  help  me.  Went  up  to  visit  the  dear  coffined 
remains  of  my  sweet,  blessed  infant.  It  is  a  comfort  to  me  to  possess 
them;  I  feel  as  if  part  of  my  own  heart  was  enclosed  in  the  coffin. 
Blessed  spirit — among  those  many  mansions  of  our  Father  let  me  hope 
that  in  another  state  of  being  there  may  be  a  consciousness  of  my  love 
for  thee !  Oh  God  !  that  it  may  be !  To  look  upon  that  leaden  case 
and  think  that  what  is  now  within  it  so  short  a  time  since  was  beauty, 
health,  sweet  dawning  intelligence,  and  fondest  love !  Went  into  the 
children's  dinner  and  sat  among  them,  but  darling  Joan's  place  was 
there  unoccupied!      I   saw  her  in   all   her  little  pretty   ways.      Sweet, 

lOI 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

blessed  Joan  !  Forster  called,  but  I  did  not  see  him  ;  he  was  violently 
affected  on  learning  that  he  could  not  see  her ;  he  would  call  in  the 
evening.  Dearest  Henry  still  in  pain,  but  seeming  to  suffer  less. 
Mr.  Pope  called  again.  Revisited  occasionally  through  the  day  the 
room  which  holds  my  precious  lost  treasure — my  darling  infant.  Read 
after  tea,  in  Milton  and  Wordsworth,  to  Nina  and  Willie.  The  inter- 
est of  these  occupations  tended  greatly  to  compose  my  spirits,  for 
which  I  thank  God  devoutly  ;  but  the  most  of  all  that  has  relieved  me 
is  the  hope  held  out  of  darling  Henry's  restoration.  Forster  called 
and  sat  some  time  with  Letitia  and  myself.  I  was  quite  composed  ; 
indeed,  I  feel  now  entire  composure  ;  though  the  past  is  still  upon  my 
heart,  it  does  not  press  with  that  torturing  and  deadening  weight  it 
has  done.  Dear  Mr.  Fox  wrote  to  me  a  most  affectionate  and  beautiful 
note,  which  affected  but  comforted  me.  I  go  to  bed  much  more 
tranquil  than  I  could  have  expected,  after  having  paid  my  last  visit 
to  my  dear  children — the  dear  creatures,  whom  God  still — blessed  be 
His  name ! — spares  to  me,  and  the  beloved  remains  of  that  precious 
one  whom  His  will  has  taken  from  me.  Let  me  say — and  learn  to 
say  with  true  resignation — His  will  be  done ! 

November  28t/i. — Awoke  to  hear  the  moans  and  cries  of  my  dear 
boy.  They  tortured  me.  I  could  not  shut  them  out.  My  heart  was 
sick  with  fear,  despair,  and  utter  recklessness.  The  dear  blessed  being 
that  lies  unconscious,  and  never  to  be  seen  or  heard  again,  in  the  room 
above  me ;  her  loss  lies  like  her  coffin  itself  upon  my  heart,  the  sicken- 
ing agony  of  almost  hopeless  apprehension  is  distracting  me,  as  I  vainly 
try  to  shut  out  the  voice  of  pain  from  my  dearest,  and  still  living 
infant.  What  am  I  to  do  ?  I  try  to  reason  myself  down  to  business 
or  tliought  of  other  things — the  thought  of  my  blessed  Joan,  the 
sweet  heavenly  little  creature,  the  sufferings,  and  dreaded  fate  of  my 
sick  child  unfit  me  instantly  for  any  effort.  After  giving  their  lessons 
to  my  dearest  Nina  and  Katie  (dear  Willie  was  suffering  from  a  head- 
ache) I  went  to  see  darling  Henry.  His  blessed  mother,  who  has  been 
a  pattern  of  affection,  of  anxious  and  indefatigable  exertion,  of  courage, 
and  self-denial — oh  God,  oh  God,  I  pray  Thee  bless  her  for  her  good- 
ness— comforted  me  Avith  the  assurance  that  he  was  better.  I  scarcely 
dare  trust  the  hope.  Went  to  look  again  upon  the  coffin  that  contains 
my  beloved  cliild^it  still  is  near  me.  I  still  possess  it — it  is  not  yei 
taken  from  inc.  My  God,  my  God!  I  renewed  my  prayers  to  God. 
but  I  fear  my  mind  loses  rather  than  G:ains  strength.  I  thought,  as 
I  looked  on  the  liltlr  form  before  me,  that  that  little  case  shut  up 
I02 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

senses,  affections,  intellect,  and  passions  and  imaginations,  that  had, 
or  would  have  had,  no  limit;  and  I  thought,  looking  at  it,  ''and  this 
is  a  life!  "  Sweet,  sweet  creature!  My  heart  is  with  thee.  Dearest, 
dearest,  what  would  I  not  give  to  repossess  thee !  My  God,  my  God  ! 
spare  to  me  my  ailing  child — oh  spare  him  !  .  .  .  Forster  called  again 
and  sat  with  me  in  the  evening.  I  devoutly  return  thanks  to  Almighty 
God  for  the  gleam  of  hope  in  darling  Henry's  recovery.  He  is  thought 
to  be  much  better.  Thank  God !  thank  God !  Blessed  be  His  name. 
I  will  say  from  my  heart  it  shall  become  better,  I  will  grieve  but  not 
repine  or  murmur  for  my  blessed  Joan.  I  will  pray  to  meet  her 
spirit  and  say  Thy  will  he  done.  Amen  !  .  .  .  Mr.  Pope  called,  and 
I  spoke  to  him  on  matters  concerning  the  interment  of  my  child.  I 
made  up  my  mind  to  remove  the  dear  remnant  of  my  child  into  the 
drawing-room  to-morrow,  for  Willie  had  met  me  in  a  state  of  much 
uneasiness.  On  asking  him  the  cause,  he  said  that  he  had  been 
frightened  by  seeing  the  rocking-horse,  which  he  had  thought  was  the 
coffin  of  dear  Joan.  I  cheered  him,  and  taking  him  into  my  study, 
explained  to  him  that  there  was  no  reason  for  alarm,  that  we  must 
feel  sorrow  for  the  death  of  those  we  love,  but  that  we  should  not  be 
terrified  by  anything  relating  to  it,  and  that  it  might  be  needful  for 
him  to  place  in  a  coffin  the  body  of  one  dear  to  him,  or  if  he  and  I 
were  alone  and  I  to  die  it  would  be  his  duty  to  put  my  body  in  a 
grave,  and  not  run  in  terror  from  it.  I  convinced  and  appeased 
him,  dear  boy.  Looked  at  the  paper,  but  did  not  read  it.  Gave 
Willie  a  lesson  of  about  five  or  six  lines  in  Ovid,  which  he  learned 
and  said  remarkably  well.  I  was  very  much  pleased  and  comforted  by 
him.  Visited  the  coffin  of  my  blessed,  blessed  child  several  times  in 
the  day — the  last  time  in  the  evening — the  last  time  I  shall  look  upon 
it  in  the  room  where  the  spirit  left  that  precious  body,  the  sweet, 
sweet  angel.  The  rough  workman,  who  came  to  take  the  dimensions 
of  the  coffin,  when  he  saw  her,  said  :  "It  is  a  beautiful  child."  And 
she  is  gone !  my  darling,  blessed  one !  Oh  God  !  oh  God !  let  good 
come  from  this  infliction  to  those  who  are  left,  for  the  chastening  is 
most  terrible — terrible !  Oh  God,  receive  her,  and  let  me  know  that 
sweet   soul   once   more !      Dr.   Elliotson   and   Mr.    Pope   called  to   see 

Henry.     I   met   Elliotson   and  Pope  returning,   and  E said   that 

"there  was  no  reason  he  should  not  get  well,"  but  his  tone  was  not 
assured  and  his  manner  evasive.  My  heart  sunk — sick  with  despair. 
In  God  alone — in  God  is  my  hope — fragile,  so  fragile,  that  it  is  there 
with  Him  alone ;  I  have  none  in  earth.     Went  in  to  look  at  my  sweet, 

103 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

suffering  boy.  Saw  the  sweet  innocent,  and  my  heart  was  riven  to 
think  I  must  lose  him  too.  Forster  called  after  early  dinner  and  sat 
with  me  some  time,  our  conversation  composed  me.  I  told  him,  if 
he  could  control  himself,  I  should  wish  him  to  accompany  me  to  the 
funeral  of  my  beloved  child.  He  said  he  would  promise  and  should 
wish  to  go  with  me.  Spoke  with  Mr.  Smith  about  arrangements  and 
gave  orders  for  the  removal  of  the  dear  body  to  the  drawing-room. 
Men  brought  the  outer  coffin.     My  child — my  child ! 

November  ^dth. — Woke  again  sore  in  heart  and  unquiet  in  mind; 
the  continued  presence  of  my  precious  darling's  image — in  every  con- 
dition in  which  I  had  so  often  seen  her  living,  and  the  sw'eet  music  of 
that  happy  voice — haunts  me.  I  had  been  alarmed  and  disquieted  by 
the  occasional  moaning  voice  of  my  darling  little  suffering  Henry,  and 
I  rose  in  most  unhappy  state  of  mind.  My  children  with  their  prayers 
and  hymns  helped  to  compose  me.  Went  in  to  see  dearest  Catherine, 
and  found  her  weak  and  Avearied,  but  thinking  Henry  better.  Thanii 
God !  Visited  the  nursery ;  looked  upon  the  bed,  the  death-place  and 
the  bier  of  my  angel  child,  and  renewed  to  her  sweet  spirit  my  vow 
of  an  amended  life.  Came  down  to  the  drawing-room,  and  upon  the 
coffin  of  my  child  repeated  my  prayer  to  God  for  constancy  in  my 
purpose  and  resolve  to  turn  this  affliction  to  good  by  purifying  my 
heart  and  devoting  my  future  life  to  my  children's  benefit  in  my  own 
amendment.  Almighty  God,  hear  and  receive  my  prayer  and  assist 
me  in  my  purpose.  Prepared  prayers  to  read  to  my  family.  Wished 
Catherine  not  to  see  the  coffin,  but  could  not  resist  her  desire  to  do 
so.  Went  with  her,  and  over  that  dear  body  heard  her  blessings 
and  prayers.  Took  the  dear  children  to  see  it — they  stood  round  it 
with  their  mother,  and  kissed  it  when  T  told  them  to  bid  their  dear 
sister  farewell !  I  led  them  away — the  dear,  blessed  infants  and 
blessed,  blessed  mother !  Read  prayers  to  them  all,  and  with  them 
lifted  up  my  thoughts  to  God.  We  were  all  present ;  it  did  me  much 
good.  Oh  God,  I  bow  down  to  Thy  will,  I  acknowledge  with  humble 
gratitude  Thy  many  mercies,  and  I  will  endeavour  to  be  worthier  in 
thy  sight.  Help  me,  oh  God !  Dined  with  my  family  and  resumed 
my  place  at  the  table,  stretching  my  arm  across  the  vacant  place  of 
the  dear  being  above  us ;  my  heart  grew  very  sad.  Received  a  most 
kind  and  tender  note  from  hulwer.  Forster  called.  After  tea  I  told 
the  children  a  story,  applicable  to  Willie.  Forster  called  again  and 
sat  the  evening.  Dear  Catherine  went  to  bed.  Forster  went  to  see 
my  child's  coffin.  Promised  not  to  give  way  to  his  emotions  tor* 
104 


JOHN    FORSTER 

(1840) 
From  a  ilraioincj  hy  Danid  Maclise,  R.A. 


1840]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

morrow.  The  dear  remains !  It  is  the  last  night  that  the  body  of  ni)- 
child  will  be  within  my  house.  To-morrow  I  must  part  with  all  that 
is  yet  left  of  her.  Blessed  being !  I  trust  that  thou  hast  life  in  some 
happier  world,  where  physical  pain  cannot  be  known,  and  where  the 
purity  of  our  natures  will  prevent  the  possibility  of  worse  ill.  May  I 
meet  thee  there,  sweet  innocent !  May  I  deserve  to  meet  her  there  is 
my  prayer  to  thee,  oh  God. 

November  SOth. — Went  up  to  bid  farewell  to  the  dear,  the  pre- 
cious remains  of  my  blessed,  darling  child ;  coming  down  found  Forster 
here — a  little  time  and  the  door-bell  made  me  inquire  of  dearest  Letty 
what  her  silence  imparted  to  me.  Darling  Katy  came  in  to  say  her 
prayers,  but  I  could  not  hear  her.  Being  summoned  I  got  into  the 
mourning  coach,  and  had  the  mournful  satisfaction  of  sitting  beside 
my  darling's  body  for  the  last  time.  Our  journey  to  the  cemetery  was 
a  confused  state  of  pain  and  agony.  Oh  God,  oh  God — spare  me  such 
another  trial !  The  service  was  read,  but  I  did  not  attend  to  it — my 
thoughts  were  on  the  coffin  before  me.  When  the  dust  was  thrown 
on  her  dear,  dear  body  and  the  Lord's  prayer  was  said,  and  the  object 
of  my  doting  love  gradually  disappeared,  I  could  have  left  my  seat 
and  clasped  it  again  to  my  heart.  God  bless  thee  I  Bless  thee! 
Bless  thee,  my  beloved  innocent !  Returned — more  composed,  went 
into  the  drawing-room,  where  I  last  saw  h'er  here,  to  dearest  Catherine 
— dear  woman ! — and  to  the  nursery.  Forster  remained  with  me  the 
whole  day.  Elliotson  and  Pope  called,  and  having  seen  darling  Henry 
pronounced  him  certainly  better.     Devoutly  do  I  thank  God. 

December  1st. — Thought  on  the  darling  little  creature,  and  saw 
her — sweet  angel.  Forster  breakfasted  with  us,  and  on  my  dissenting 
from  our  proposed  plan  of  yesterday,  viz.  of  going  to  Newbury,  and 
wishing  Forster  to  accompany  me  in  a  walk  to  Hendon,  Catherine  and 
Letitia  wished  me  to  ride  out  of  town  and  walk  somewhere  in  the 
country,  and  proposed  Belvedere  and  Erith,  which  I  was  glad  to  visit, 
as  so  retired.  We  set  out  there,  and  with  some  melancholy  thoughts 
I  got  out  of  London,  and  felt  refreshed  in  mind,  as  I  felt  the  free 
air  and  the  breath  of  heaven  in  walking  over  the  heath.  The  grass 
and  trees,  with  which  my  heart  has  a  sort  of  relationship,  imparted 
a  tranquillizing  influence  to  my  mind.  I  could  commune  with  Nature 
— I  could  feel  thankful  to  God — in  the  face  of  God  and  Nature — I 
was  not  the  same  man.  The  pictures  at  Belvedere  interested  me  very 
much,  but  the  sky,  the  turf,  the  trees,  water,  and  flowers,  all  these 
were  so  many  healing  influences  upon  my  heart ;  I  thank  God — I  thank 

105 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

God  for  all  His  mercies.  Returned  home,  very  much  renovated  and 
cleared  in  mind.  Found  all  comfortable  at  home,  thank  God  !  thank 
God !  Saw  Mr.  Pope,  who  reported  most  favourably  of  darling 
Henry. 

December  2n(/. — Gave  tlie  dear  chikh-en  llioir  lessons.  Thought 
of  my  darling  Joan — sweet  blossom  !  On  this  day  week  she  was  still 
alive,  anrl  I  without  one  fear  for  her — sweet  little  angel  I  as  she  is  now, 
I  trust  in  God !  Dr.  Elliotson  and  Mr.  Pope  met  and  saw-  dearest 
little  Henry,  and  very  confidently  asserted  him  to  be  much  better,  for 
which  I  devoutly  and  gratefully  thank  God.  A  kind  note  from 
Maclise.  Read  over  part  of  the  character  of  Evelyn  in  Money. 
Forster  called,  and  we  walked  round  the  Park  together ;  I  enjoyed 
the  exercise  very  much.  Forster  dined  with  us.  Mr.  Webster  has 
provided  nothing  to  hack  his  new  comedy  with,  and  it  will  in  conse- 
quence be  ruined — at  least  such  are  my  apprehensions.  Finished 
reading  the  part  of  Evelyn. 

December  Qrd. — Saw  darling  Henry  as  I  came  down-stairs — he  was 
asleep,  and  looked  so  pale,  so  waxen,  so  unlike  the  joyous  thing  of 
intellect  and  life  that  once  he  looked,  that  my  heart  swelled  within  me 
to  gaze  upon  his  dear,  dear  emaciated  face.  Oh,  bless  and  preserve  him, 
great  and  good  God,  and  let  the  trials  I  have  endured  be  sufficient  to 
work  out  Thy  will.  Amen !  A  note  from  Forster,  informing  me  that 
Webster  would  not  listen  to  the  suggestion  of  deferring  Bulwer's  play, 
as  I  confidently  expected.  Went  to  the  theatre.  Rehearsed  the  play 
of  Moneii.     Found  at  home  an  anonymous  note,  cautioning  me  against 

a  ruffiaiil}'  person,  a  low  man,  called  Dr.  ,  who  goes  behind  the 

scenes  of  the  Haymarket  theatre. 

December  5th. — Arose  in  a  very  distressed  state  of  mind,  having 
heard  through  the  long  night  the  cries  of  pain  of  my  blessed  little 
suffering  child.  Found  him  much  worse,  as  I  thought,  past  earthly 
hope.  My  beautiful,  my  brightly  intelligent  child  !  and  he  must  be 
taken  from  me  at  last,  after  this  long  struggle  against  death !  Oh 
God !  oh  God !  help  my  prayers,  and  grant  that  I  may  receive  Thy 
judgments  as  I  ought.  But  still  I  must  say — spare  my  child  to  me ! 
Oh  God  Almighty !  Dr.  Elliotson  and  Mr.  Pope  came — the  former 
told  me  that  my  child  was  in  considerable  danger,  but  not  quite  hope- 
less, if  he  did  not  improve  before  to-morrow  morning  there  would 
be  great  cause  for  apprehension.  This  was  like  his  language  before. 
They  are  awful  words.  The  dear  boy  is  suffering  under  an  attack  of 
thrush.     He   seemed   to   suffer   greatly — darling  child.     In  the   after- 

io6 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

noon  Catherine  recalled  us  to  hope  by  her  report  of  him,  and  I  was 
composed  and  more  comfortable.  Mr.  Pope  called  and  dashed  down  all 
my  hopes  by  his  language  and  its  tone.    I  look  upon  my  child  as  gone. 

December  6th. — Darling,  dearest  little  Henry,  thank  God !  seemed 
better  this  morning.  May  I  begin  once  more  to  hope,  oh  God ! 
Heard  my  dear  children  their  hymns,  which  they  said  very  well.  Mr. 
Pope  called,  and  thought  more  favourably  of  dearest  Henry.  I  spoke 
to  him  on  the  subject  of  my  situation  with  Sir  E.  Bulwer  and  Mr. 
Webster,  and  observed  to  him  that  I  was  obliged  to  regard  the  matter 
as  one  of  serious  business,  which  it  is,  and  to  ask  him  what  probable 
hope  there  might  be  to  warrant  Mr.  Webster  in  acting,  or  trying  to 
act,  the  new  comedy  on  Tuesday.  He  said  that  for  Tuesday  he  might 
perhaps  venture,  but  that  if  any  accession  of  indisposition  should  occur 
to  check  the  onward  course  of  dearest  Henry  to  health,  he  could  not 
say  what  might  be  the  result,  and  he  was  sure  that  Dr.  EUiotson  would 
say  the  same.  Wrote  a  note  to  Mr.  Webster,  and  to  Mr.  Forster, 
wishing  to  see  them.  Looked  out  prayers  and  read  them  to  my  family. 
Saw  darling  Henry  frequently  during  the  day.  Mr.  Webster  called, 
and  I  laid  before  him  the  state  of  darling  Henry  and  my  apprehen- 
sions. Forster  came,  and  after  some  conversation,  in  which  Mr. 
Webster  expressed  himself  as  much  obliged  to  me  for  thinking  of  him, 
it  was  settled  to  proceed  with  the  comedy  and  wait  till  we  heard 
Elliotson's  report  of  him  to-morrow.  God  grant  it  may  be  good! 
Read  over  part  of  Evelyn.  Forster  dined.  Mr.  Pope  called  again 
and  spoke  much  more  cheerfully  of  darling  Henry. 

December  11  th. — Found  darling  Henry  much  easier,  having  passed 
a  more  comfortable  night,  for  which  unlooked-for  blessing  my  heart 
thanks  God.  Gave  the  dear  children  their  lessons.  Went  out  early, 
taking  Letitia  with  me  to  Oxford  Street ;  purchased  in  Bond  Street — 
Conduit  Street — and  afterwards  in  Fleet  Street  the  various  articles  I 
require  for  the  part  of  Evelyn.  Took  considerable  pains  with  the 
rehearsal  of  Money,  and  was  rather  fatigued  with  it.  Forster  was 
there,  but  left  us  to  go  to  our  house,  and  hear  Elliotson's  report  of 
dearest  Henry.  I  thank  God — I  thank  God,  that  he  gave  a  very 
decided  opinion  of  his  improved  health,  and  encouraged  us  again,  under 
God's  mercy  and  blessing,  to  hope.  God  Almighty  spare  him  to  be 
a  good  and  happy  man !  Spoke  at  the  theatre  to  Mr.  AVebster  about 
my  engagement,  which  he  said  he  had  not  read.  I  wished  him  to 
read  it.  Acted  Werner,  as  I  thought,  very  well,  taking  great  pains, 
to   a   very    dull    audience.     Fox  came  into    my    room — and    Forster. 

107 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

Webster  afterwards,  to  whom  I  spoke  of  various  Money  matters  and 
my  engat;ement,  Avliich  he  had  not  yet  read.  He  would  read  it  to- 
niglit.  I  recapitulated  all  the  variations  from  the  former  article — to 
none  of  which  did  he  dissent. 

December  Sth. — Arose  in  good  time  after  a  night  disturbed  and 
made  unhappy  by  dear  little  Henry's  distressing  moans.  Gave  the 
children  their  lessons.  Went  to  see  dear  little  Henry.  Catherine 
thought  him  not  worse.  Went  to  the  Haymarket  and  rehearsed  the 
pla}^  of  Money.  I  Avas  very  much  depressed  and  low-spirited.  Coming 
home,  read  over  the  part  and  resolved  to  do  my  best  with  it.  Laid 
out  and  put  up  my  clothes.  Acted  the  part  of  Evelyn.^  Not  satisfied. 
I  wanted  lightness,  self-possession,  and,  in  the  serious  scenes,  truth. 
I  was  not  good — I  feel  it.  In  the  last  scene  Miss  Faucit,  as  I  had 
anticipated,  had  quite  the  advantage  over  me  ;  this  was  natural.  Bulwer 
came  into  my  room  ;  lie  Avas,  as  usual,  obliged  by  my  exertions." 

December  9th. — Dearest  Henry  not  advanced  in  health.  I  know- 
not  what  to  think,  but  my  fears  come  rapidly  upon  every  check  to 
hope.  Oh  God,  oh  God,  protect,  preserve  and  bless  him  !  Went  to 
theatre ;  saw  Bulwer  and  Forster  and  arranged  with  them  the  omis- 
sions for  to-night  in  the  play  of  Money.  Coming  home,  saw  Elliotson 
and  Pope.  I  was  grieved  to  hear  a  change  toAvards  apprehension  in 
the  tone  of  Elliotson  ;  this  dear  boy's  life  seems  hanging  by  a  hair. 
God  preserve  him  to  us !  Read  over  Money — very  weak,  nervous  and 
languid.  Forster  called.  Acted  Evelyn  witli  effort,  but  very  feebly 
and  not  effectively.  Was  called  for  and  well  received.  Spoke  with 
Mr.  Webster  and  settled  conclusively  with  him  the  terms  of  my 
engagement,  which  he  is  to  have  copied  out  and  signed ;  told  me  of 
Miss  Faucit's  demand  for  next  season  of  £30  per  week. 

December  10th. — Rose  late,  felt  most  grateful,  and  received  some- 
thing like  a  return — a  faint  return  of  hope  in  seeing  dearest  Henry  a 
little  better.  But  in  his  wasted,  dreadful  state,  it  terrifies  nie  to 
encourage  hope.  I  pray — I  pray  to  God — let  my  hope  rest  in  Him ! 
Sent,  tlirough  Letitia,  a  note  to  Forster  about  further  omissions  in 

^  The  cast  was  as  follows — 

Evelyn,  W.  C.  Macready ;  Sir  John  Vescy,  —  Strickland  ;  Sir  Frederick  Blount, 
Walter  Lacy ;  Smooth,  B.  Wrench ;  Stout,  David  Rees ;  Lord  Glossniorc,  F.  Vining ; 
Graves,  B.  Webster  ;  Clara  Douglas,  Miss  li.  Faucit  ;  Georgina  Vesey,  Miss  P.  Horton  ; 
Lady  Franklin,  Mrs.  Glover. 

^  Motley  had  a  long  run,  and  no  other  play  was  given  at  the  Haymarket  until  the  end  of 
Macready 's   engagement    there,  on  March   13,  in  the  following  year  (1841) — (note  by  Sir 
F.  Pollock). 
108 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

the  play.  Read  what  I  could  of  Evelyn.  Acted  the  part  pretty  well  ; 
was  called  for  and  well  received. 

December  11th. — The  report  of  darling  Henry  was  that  he  was 
better  when  I  saw  him.  I  did  not  think  him  so  much  better  as  I  had 
hoped.  The  string  is  so  fine  and  fragile  by  which  the  blessed  little 
sufferer  holds  to  life  that  it  is  seemingly  blind  rashness  to  cherish  any 
confident  hope.  In  God  is  jny  hope  :  I  have  none  elsewhere.  God 
preserve  him  I 

December  12th. — Dearest  Henry  not  so  well.  God  restore  him  ! 
is  all  I  have  left  to  say.  Wrote  an  answer  to  Mr.  Barham,  who  had 
informed  me  that  the  newspapers  charged  me  with  making  the  drama 
a  close  borough !  I  answered  him  rather  indignantly,  though  very 
civilly,  refuting  the  calumny.  Acted  Evelyn  very  fairly.  Mr. 
Webster  came  into  my  room,  and  we  signed  and  exchanged  engage- 
ments. 

December  IQth. — After  a  sleepless  night  I  lay  late ;  hearing  my 
dear  children  their  hymns,  and  hearing  something  of  the  newspaper's 
contents,  to  which  I  became  very  indifferent.  I  seem  to  lose  all 
elasticity,  all  relish  for  things  once  pleasing  and  exciting  to  me.  I  am 
truly  unhappy ;  if  I  had  lived  in  the  country  I  might  have  been  better. 
As  it  is,  I  am  actually  good  for  nothing.  I  am  wretched — I  have  no 
spring,  no  power  of  exertion ;  I  feel  that  I  shall — that  I  must  lose  my 
blessed  boy ;  I  cannot  compose  my  mind  to  serenity.  I  must  bear  it, 
but  it  seems  to  leave  me  indifferent  to  everything.  I  know  not  where 
to  turn  my  thoughts.  Books  have  no  charm  for  me ;  I  really  know 
not  where  to  direct  my  mind.  I  began  a  letter  to  the  Chamberlain. 
I  arranged  my  accounts.  Dr.  Elliotson  and  Mr.  Pope  called  and  saw 
my  poor  withering  boy.  Elliotson  said  that  his  pulse  was  better — i.  e.  it 
was  lower — but  admitted  he  was  weaker  ;  ordered  him  stronger  food,  and 
said  he  would  see  him  to-morrow  again  ;  this  all  looks  ill.  In  fact,  my 
liope  is  gone.  1  walked  out  with  Forster  to  see  Wallace's  grave,  and 
round  the  Park.  He  remained  to  dine  with  us.  I  tried  to  continue 
the  letter  to  the  Chamberlain.  I  can  think  only  of  my  dear,  dear  boy. 
God  bless  him  and  forgive  me ! 

December  14t/j. — Not  well,  and  wearied  after  a  restless  night. 
Dearest  Henry  a  little  better.  Thank  God — thank  God !  is  all  I  dare 
say,  except  to  pray  for  the  continuance  of  his  amendment.  Elliotson 
and  Pope  called,  and  thought  dearest  Henry  better.  God  bless  him  ! 
Copied  my  letter  to  the  Chamberlain  and  sent  it  to  Forster,  who  callefl 
soon  after;  he  approved  it.     Sent  it  to  Lord  Uxbridge's  house.     Went 

109 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

to  theatre ;  acted  Evelyn  very  inditferently,  being  distressed  and  dis- 
composed by  Mrs.  Glover.  Miss  Faucit  spoke  to  nie  on  the  subject  of 
her  engagement ;  spoke  to  Mr.  Webster  on  it,  and  offered  to  play  two 
nights — extra — gratuitously  for  her  benefit  if  that  would  make  up  their 
difference. 

December  15Lh. — Dearest  Henry  was,  in  Catherine's  opinion,  a  little 
better ;  but  it  is  vain  to  talk  of  better  or  worse  till  some  decided  mani- 
festation of  change  appears.  He  is  struggling  between  life  and  death. 
God  befriend  me  in  him.  Read  in  the  course  of  the  afternoon  four  acts 
of  l^andor's  Fra  Rupert,  which  I  liked  very  much.  Acted  Evelyn 
fairly ;  there  was  some  friend  endeavouring  to  get  up  an  ironical 
applause  at  one  of  my  speeches.     How  easy  to  molest  one  ! — how  noble ! 

December  16th. — Darling  Henry  a  little  better.  In  God — in  God 
alone  there  is  hope !  Read  and  tried  part  of  Evelyn,  which  I  am 
anxious  to  improve.  Pope  called,  and,  after  him,  dear  Elliotson.  They 
thought  Henry  a  little  better.  Finished  Landor's  Fra  Rupert,  which 
I  like,  as  a  thing  of  character  and  picture  without  design  or  construc- 
tion. Rested.  Acted  Evelyn  better  than  I  had  previously  done,  but 
it  is  an  ineffective,  inferior  part.  Spoke  with  Willmott  afterwards 
about  the  club  scene. 

December  17t/«. — Encouraged  to  something  like  a  hope  by  dearest 
Henry's  apparent  improvement.  God  preserve  him  to  a  life  of  health 
of  mind  and  body.  Acted  Evelyn  with  care  and  spirit.  Called  for 
and  well  received.  Miss  Faucit  came  into  my  room  to  speak  to  me  of 
her  engagement ;  Bulwer  and  Forster  to  talk  about  the  play.  Miss 
Faucit  told  me  she  had  engaged  with  Webster ;  that  he  had  shown  her 
a  letter  from  Mr.  C.  Kean  urging  him  to  engage  Miss  E.  Tree  to  play 
the  Ladj)  of  Lyons  with  him — that  it  would  be  a  great  hit ;  mentioned 
his  intended  performance  of  Romeo,  and  adding,  '*  No  Helen  Faucit  for 
me."  Webster  and  Willmott  came  and  spoke  to  me  about  doing 
Comus.  I  scouted  the  absurdity,  or  recommended  its  production  in 
the  old  way. 

December  IHtJi. — Dearest  Henry  had  suffered  from  a  very,  very 
bad  night,  and  had  aj^ain,  in  consequence,  fallen  back.  It  is  useless 
to  be  thus  swayed,  I  should  say  tortured,  by  daily  change  from  hope 
to  fear.  I  fear  my  philosophj'  or  religion  is  hardly  proof  against  the 
impatience  of  my  nature.  Oh  God!  forgive  and  pity  me  I  Nina  had 
bought  birthday  presents  for  the  other  children  to  give  to  dearest 
Henry.  She  told  Willie  of  it  at  dinner,  and  he  was  greatly  pleased, 
excited  in  the  anticipation,  but  presently  burst  into  tears — dear,  dear 
IIO 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

boy !  I  fear  they  are  prophetic.  I  have  long  dreaded  the  approach  of 
this  birthday,  thinking  the  dear  child  would  never  see  it.  I  have  little 
hope  beyond  it — but  all  is  God's.  Acted  Evelyn  pretty  well,  annoyed 
and  embarrassed  (as  I  have  often  been)  by  poor  Miss  Faucit's  cough. 

December  Idth. — Dearest  Henry  seemed  decidedly  better,  for  which 
I  thank  God.  Went  to  theatre,  and  acted  Evelyn  pretty  fairly,  not 
pleased  with  some  unfair  advantages  taken  by  Helen  Faucit ;  it  is  not 
wise.  She  was  very  prone  to  this  habit  once,  but  I  thought  had  dis- 
carded it.  Mr.  Webster  was  laughing  during  the  concluding  speech, 
which  checked  me  twice  and  very  nearly  made  me  lose  tiie  word.  I 
spoke  (which  there  was  no  need  to  do)  to  him  about  it  when  the  curtain 
fell,  and  he  flatly  denied  it.  I  (indiscreetly)  said  it  was  of  little  conse- 
quence to  me  what  he  asserted  or  what  he  denied.  I  was  very  hasty, 
hut  notJting  can  justify  anger  !  Bulwer  came  in  and  spoke  about  cutting 
the  play,  and  made  with  Wlllmott  some  short  cuts.  He  is  very  much 
dissatisfied  with  the  success,  and  swears  he  will  never  write  another 
play. 

December  ^Oth. — Heard  the  dear  children  their  hymns.  My  poor 
darling  Henry  not  worse,  though  suffering  from  a  bad  night.  God 
bless  and  restore  him.     Mr.  Pope  called  and  thought  him  doing  well. 

December  21  sf. — The  birthday  of  my  dear,  dear,  blessed,  suffering 
child,  on  whose  dear  head  I  invoke  the  blessing  and  merciful  protection 
of  Almighty  God,  beseeching  Him  to  raise  the  darling  boy  from  his 
bed  of  pain  and  sickness  to  a  life  of  moral  and  intellectual  strength, 
of  health,  of  virtue,  and  of  wisdom  !  This  I  pray  God.  Gave  the  dear 
children  their  lessons.  A  note  was  given  me,  half  asleep,  and  only  as 
I  was  going  to  the  theatre,  from  the  poor  actor.  Green,  in  Whitecross 
Street  prison,  and  brought  by  his  wife.  I  apologized  to  her  for  the 
delay,  and  gave  her  a  cheque  for  £4*  to  release  him  from  a  debt  of 
£S  10s.  A  human  being  incarcerated — shut  from  exercise,  industry 
and  his  house,  his  wife,  and  children  for  £'o  lO.s.  Happy,  aristocratical 
England  HI 

December  SSnd. — Dearest  Henry  continues  better,  thank  God. 
Acted  Evel}Ti  tolerably ;  some  person  had  come  to  the  theatre  to 
disturb  the  play,  and  tried  to  create  opposition  as  the  passage  about 
"man  versus  money"  began. 

December  23rd. — My  dearest  boy  better.  Sent  a  cheque  for  £5 
to  the  Nightly  Shelter  for  the  Houseless  Poor — "  poor,  naked  wretches, 
wheresoe'er  ye  are."  I  would  have  sent  to  other  hospitals,  but  am 
rather  straitened  in  ready  money.     Received  the  Lord  Chamberlain's 

III 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1840 

answer,  who  refers  my  request  to  tlie  proprietors  of  Drury  Lane  and 
Covent  Garden — the  oppressed  to  the  oppressor.  I  was  very  angry, 
and  began  a  letter  to  him,  which  I  had  the  discretion  not  to  finish. 
Made  some  resolutions  about  the  next  year,  which  I  hope  will  be  for 
good ;  saw  that  it  began  on  a  Friday ;  looked  back  and  discovered  that 
the  year  in  which  I  chastised  that  wretch  Bunn  began  on  a  Friday. 
How  difficult  it  is  to  avoid  superstition.  Let  me  hope  that  it  will  in 
this  instance  tend  to  good  and  make  me  careful  to  avoid  error.  Elliot- 
son  spoke  very  encouragingly  of  darling  Henry.  Acted  Evelyn  fairly. 
Bulwer  came  with  alterations.  Miss  H.  Faucit  was  in  my  room  ;  he 
gave  them  to  her.  I  told  him  of  the  Lord  Chamberlain's  letter  and 
of  my  intention  to  call  on  Lord  Lansdowne  upon  it,  which  he  approved. 

December  24f/i. — Lay  late  in  bed.  Looked  at  the  newspaper,  and 
when  I  rose  thought  dearest  Henry  a  little  better,  but  still — still  a 
subject  of  painful  anxiety  to  me.  God  protect  and  preserve  him  and 
my  remaining  children,  for  whom  I  now  tremble  if  attacked  by  the 
least  illness.  An  indolent  morning.  Called  on  Lord  Lansdowne,  who 
was  absent  from  town. 

December  25th. — Gave  my  attention  to  tlie  composition  of  my  letter 
to  the  Lord  Chamberlain.  Sat  with  the  children  at  their  dinner.  Had 
read  the  number  of  Master  Humphrey's  Clock.  Dickens  and  Forster 
called,  and  we  walked  round  the  Park  at  a  posting  rate  together — a 
delightful  afternoon.  Returning,  copied  out  the  remainder  of  Bulwer's 
alterations,  and  despatched  the  original  with  note  to  Willmott. 
Forster  dined  with  us.  Dearest  Katy  was  weeping  when  we  drank  to 
each  other  after  dinner  the  old-fashioned  wishes  of  the  day.  When 
I  asked  what  made  her  cry,  she  told  me  it  was  that  Joan  was  not  here 
with  us.  I  had  been  thinking  of  the  absence  of  that  sweet,  precious 
creature  just  before.  My  blessed,  blessed,  beloved  Joan.  How  often 
do  I  see  your  sweet,  blessed  face  and  image  before  me.  Oh,  God  I 
bless  her,  bless  her,  bless  her  I 

December  26i/i.— Darling  Henry  better.  Oh,  thank  God  1  Whilst 
trying  to  divert  the  dear  boy  he  smiled  twice.  No  sunshine  was  ever 
brighter  or  more  cheering  to  the  earth  than  those  dear  smiles  to  my 
heart!  I  tlianked  God  for  them.  Wrote  out  the  fair  copy  of  my 
letter  to  the  Lord  Chamberlain  and  sent  it  to  him.  Mr.  King  called 
and  Catherine  asked  him  to  dine  with  us.  I  went  into  the  drawing- 
room  and  employed  myself  with  learning  the  altered  passages  in  the 
play  this  evening.  Acted  Evelyn  very  feebly ;  I  dislike  it  so  much ! 
The  alterations  were  omitted  to-night,  as  all  were  unsure. 
112 


1840]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

December  28f/i. — Dearest  Henry  proceeding  well,  thank  God. 
Acted  Evelyn  tolerably.  Was  grieved  to  see  Miss  H.  Faucit  ill  and 
low-spirited  in  her  performance.  Spoke  to  her  after  the  play ;  some 
wretch  had  been  writing  a  gross  and  ribald  letter  of  abuse  to  her !  I 
requested  her  not  to  give  any  thought  to  it.  She  is  a  very  sweet  girl. 
Spoke  to  Miss  Horton,  who  was  also  very  low ;  her  mother  is  very  ill. 
I  promised  to  write  to-morrow  to  Elliotson  about  her. 

December  29t/i. — Gave  the  dear  children  their  lessons,  and  thought 
darling  Henry  progressing  very  comfortably,  thank  God  !  My  prayers, 
the  prayers  of  my  heart,  are  increasing*  to  God  to  spare  the  dear  boy 
to  a  happy  life  of  wisdom  and  virtue.  Talfourd  and  his  son  Frank 
came  in.  Talfourd  thought  the  play  "the  merest  trash — nothing  in 
it;  that  it  was  a  great  stretch  of  friendship  in  me  to  play  Evelyn." 
He  is  very  envious.  Evelyn  is  not  a  good  part,  but  I  have  played,  too, 
the  Athenian  Captive.^  Spoke  to  Miss  Horton  about  a  note  received 
from  Catherine,  and  wrote  a  letter  of  introduction  for  her  to  Elliotson. 
Spoke  again  with  Willmott.  Mrs.  Warner  is  discharged !  I  am  truly 
sorry  for  her. 

December  20th. — Dearest  Henry  still  progressing,  I  thank  God, 
towards  strength  and  health ;  it  is  so  sweet  to  see  the  little  ray  of  a 
smile  pass  over  his  dear,  dear  face.  God  prosper  and  restore  my 
blessed  boy. 

December  21st. — The  last  day  of  a  year  has  now  become  a  grave 
and  solemn  thing  to  me ;  I  feel  my  approach  towards  a  change  of  being, 
and  I  cannot  contemplate  without  sad  and  serious  thoughts  the 
"shadows,  clouds,  and  darkness  that  rest  upon  it."  My  heart  lifts  up 
its  prayer  to  God  for  blessings  on  my  beloved  family  through  time  to 
come.  Amen.  In  this  year  I  have  received  much  worldly  benefit,  for 
which  I  thank  the  bountiful  Disposer  of  all  good.  But  I  have  lost 
from  among  the  dearest  to  my  heart  one  of  its  very  dearest  and  nearest. 
My  blessed,  my  beautiful  child,  my  darling,  precious  Joan,  whose  sweet 
face  gladdened  my  heart  whenever  it  met  me,  now  lies  insensible  and 
changing  to  earth  in  her  coffin,  lost  to  me  in  this  world.  Farewell,  my 
blessed  child,  my  dear,  dear  little  intelligent  creature ;  in  my  heart  and 
to  my  mind  you  will  be  often,  often  present,  and  I  must  hope  that  in 
a  future  state  of  being  our  spirits  may  be  conscious  of  the  love  that 
joined  us  here.  Farewell — farewell.  To  the  Eternal  and  All-good  I 
commend  thee.     Bless  thee  and  farewell. 

*  In  Talfourd's  drama  of  that  name  Macready  played  the  part  of  Thoas,  which  was  not 
a  congenial  one. 

VOL.  II.  J  113 


1841 

January  2rd. — Forster  called,  and  we  walked  round  the  Park 
together,  which  I  very  much  enjoyed.  Confided  to  him  my  notion  of 
engrossing  a  large  share  of  Drury  Lane  theatre,  which  he  thought  very 
much  of,  and  which  I  think  may  be  a  great  thing  if  I  have  energy  and 
constancy  to  carry  it  through. 

January  4f/t. — Went  to  the  theatre,  and  left  at  tlie  stage  door,  in 
the  hands  of  the  portress  (who  is  one  of  my  inamorata — God  help  the 
mark  !)  the  MS.  of  Mr.  Strange. 

January  6t]i. — Forster  read  me  a  sketch  of  characters,  for  a  comedy 
by  Rulwer,  of  which  I  thought  very  poorly.  He  talked  of  Cromwell, 
but  that  1  think  beyond  all  but  Shakspeare. 

January  1th. — Read  a  little  of  Nina  Sforza.  ^Vent  to  rehearsal 
Avith  Mrs.  Stirling,^  who  takes  the  part  of  Clara  in  the  play  to-night. 
Nina  called  for  me,  and  I  went  with  her  to  Sir  F.  Chantrey's ;  he  was 
out  of  town  ;  we  looked  into  the  studio.  W^e  walked  home  through 
Belgrave  Square  and  the  Park  ;  the  weather  made  the  exercise  quite 
an  enjoyment  to  me.  Nina  did  her  sum  in  the  afternoon.  Edward 
sent  a  note  with  Napier's  last  two  volumes,  and  borrowed  first.  He 
called,  after  I  had  rested.  Acted  Evelyn  tolerably  well.  Was  much 
pleased  with  Mrs.  Stirling  in  Clara.  She  speaks  with  freshness  and 
truth  of  tone  that  no  other  actress  in  the  stage  now  can  do. 

January  8th. — Received  a  letter  from  Rulwer  ^ith  his  sketch  of  a 
play  for  Cromwell,  which  I  do  not  approve  ;  it  has  no  entirety,  no 
object,  and  Bulwer  is  not  the  poet  for  historical  scenes.  Mrs.  Warner 
was  in  the  theatre,  and  I  sent  to  say  I  should  be  glad  to  speak  with  her 
after  the  play.  She  came  to  my  room,  and  I  told  her  I  was  sorry  she  was 
to  leave  the  theatre,  and  that,  as  we  might  not  meet  again,  I  did  not 
wish  to  part  with  her  on  terms  of  estrangement  after  the  affectionate 
understanding  that  had  subsisted  between  us.  She  went  into  the 
scandalous  affair  of  last  year,  endeavouring  to  make  out  her  case,  but 

^  Mary  Ann  Stirlint,'  (i8i 5-1895) ;  n^t;  Hehl,  eventually  Lady  Gregory  ;  the  well-known 
actress  and  teacher  of  elocution. 
114 


[1841  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

making  admissions  that  proved  her  indiscretion.  She  wished  me  to  say 
that  I  considered  her  as  exculpated,  wiiich  I  would  not  do.  I  told 
her  I  was  willing  to  believe  that  she  believed  herself  less  in  fault,  and 
that  there  had  been  exaggeration  ;  that,  after  the  attachment  I  had 
felt  for  her,  I  did  not  like  to  think  that  she  might  suppose  me  in 
absence  thinking  unkindly  of  her,  and  that  she  might  still  consider 
herself  as  having  the  right  and  power  of  applying  to  me  if  ever  I  could 
be  of  service  to  her.  I  shook  hands  witii  her.  She  told  me  she  had 
passed  a  most  unhappy  year.  I  was  sorry — very  sorry  to  hear  it.  God 
help  us  all !     Amen  ! 

January  dth. — Mrs.  Warner  sent  to  ask  to  speak  to  me  again  ;  it 
was  to  express  her  fear  that  she  must  have  seemed  cold  and  insensible 
to  the  kindness  of  my  address  to  her  last  night,  and  that  she,  in  fact, 
seemed  to  herself,  on  recollecting  what  passed,  stunned  or  stupefied, 
and  that  she  was  anxious  to  set  herself  right  with  me  as  to  her  apprecia- 
tion of  my  behaviour  to  her.  She  talked  long,  giving  me  the  history 
of  her  transactions  with  Mr.  Webster.  She  admitted  her  indiscretion 
and  injustice  to  me,  and  I  parted  with  her — very  Jate — reassuring  her 
of  all  the  kindness  I  had  proffered  her  yesterday. 

January  10th. — Coming  down,  I  saw  dearest  Henry,  who,  thank 
God,  is  wonderfully  better ;  wonderfully.  It  is  indeed  almost  a 
miracle.^ 

January  11th. — Found  dearest  Henry  still  advancing  in  health  and 
strength.  I  thank  God  from  my  inmost  heart — but,  oh  !  how  often 
do  I  think  of  the  sweet  and  blessed  being  that  is  gone  from  among  us, 
who  seems  to  me  now  the  dearest  and  the  sweetest  of  all  that  God  had 
given  me.  Oh,  bless  her  !  Bless  her  !  Beloved  child — darling,  darling 
Joan  !  My  heart  yearns  to  thee,  sweetest !  dearest !  Went  up  to  the 
drawing-room,  after  reading  a  scene  of  Nina  Sforza,  to  see  Forster,  who 
was  there.  He  read  me  a  letter  from  Bulwer,  starting  the  idea  of 
Sir  Roliert  Walpole  as  a  dramatic  character.     I  caught  at  it. 

January  l^lh. — My  dear  children  not  very  satisfactory  over  their 
early  lessons ;  perhaps  my  desire  of  seeing  them  advance  may  make  me 
too  exacting  and  impatient,  yet  I  try  to  check  my  tendency  to  haste. 
Looked  through  chapters  of  History  of  England  for  information  on 
Walpole. 

January   13th. — Mr.  King  called   to  give  Willie  a  lesson,   but  we 

^  The  recovery  was,  unfortunately,  only  partial,  the  mental  powers  becoming  to  some 
extent  impaired,  and  later  on  epileptic  tendencies  developed,  resulting  in  the  boy's  premature 
death  in  1857,  at  the  age  of  eigiiteen. 

12  115 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

were  coated  and  hatted  to  go  out  and  I  begged  him  off.  We  went  to 
Sir  Francis  Chantrey's.  I  showed  WiUie  his  statue  of  Washington  ; 
we  went  into  his  library,  and  I  sat  with  him  an  inordinate  length  of 
time.  I  opened  my  views,  into  which  he  cordially  entered  ;  I  told  him 
of  Rogers,  and  he  said  he  would  see  him.  He  evidently  likes  the  under- 
taking, and  would  wish  to  make  a  bust  of  Mrs.  Siddons.  He  preferred 
speaking  himself  to  Milman  about  the  place  in  the  Abbey  for  it,  before 
I  again  addressed  the  Dean  and  Chapter.  He  pressed  us  to  stay 
luncheon,  which  we  did,  and  went  with  him  and  Lady  Chantrey  into 
the  drawing-room. 

January  Wlli. — Acted  Evelyn  well ;  was  called  for  and  well  received. 
Lady  Essex, ^  once  the  fascinating  Miss  Stephens,  for  whom  I  could 
have  felt  a  desperate  regard  and  did  cherish  a  tender  one,  sat  in  the 
stage  box  I  Ah — quam  mutata  !  And  I  am  just  as  old,  as  changed ! 
Alasl     Miss  H.  Faucit  resumed  her  character;  does  not  seem  well. 

January  21st. — Called  on  Uickens  and  gave  him  Barley's  first  copy 
of  Ethelstan.  We  walked  out,  called  on  Rogers ;  I  told  him  that 
Chantrey  was  to  see  him,  and  mentioned  my  proposal  of  setting  the 
subscription  on  foot :  he  readily  approved  all.  Asked  Dickens  to  spare 
the  life  of  Nell  in  his  story  {Master  Humphrey's  ClocJc),  and  observed 
that  he  was  cruel.  He  blushed,  and  men  who  blush  are  said  to  be 
either  proud  or  cruel ;  he  is  not  proud,  and  therefore — or,  as  Dickens 
added — the  axiom  is  false.     He  invited  us  to  dine  on  Sunday  sennight. 

January  9,9,nd. — Arranged  the  persons  to  whom  I  would  apply  for 
Mrs.  Siddons's  monument,  and  wrote  notes  on  the  subject  to  Bulwer, 
to  Young,  to  Talfourd  ;  Catherine  wrote  to  Fanny  Twiss.  Went  to 
the  theatre,  and  acted  Evelyn  with  much  effort ;  I  was  quite  wearied 
down.  Found  at  home  notes  from  Ransom,  and  one  from  Dickens 
with  an  onward  number  of  Master  Humphrey's  Cloclc.  I  saw  one  print 
in  it  of  the  dear  dead  child  tiiat  gave  a  dead  chill  through  my  blood, 
I  dread  to  read  it,  but  I  must  get  it  over.  I  have  read  the  two  numbers ; 
I  never  have  read  printed  words  that  gave  me  so  much  pain.  I  could 
not  weep  for  some  time.  Sensation,  sufferings  have  returned  to  me, 
that  are  terrible  to  awaken  ;  it  is  real  to  me ;  I  cannot  criticize  it. 

January  23rd. — Was  told  by  Willmott  that  a  paper  of  a  subscrip- 
tion, which  I  had  seen  last  night  in  the  green-room,  was  a  subscription 
to  present  a  testimonial  to  Mr.  T.  Duncombe,^  for  moving  that  plays 

*  Catherine  Stephens  (1794-1882)  ;  the  well-known  actress  and  singer  ;  married  the  fifth 
Earl  of  Essex  in  1838. 

"  Thomas  Slingsby  Duncombe  (1796-1861)  ;  the  "  dandy  democrat  "  ;  began  his  carter 
116 


1841]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

be  acted  on  the  off-nights  in  Lent  in  the  House  of  Commons.  I  repro- 
bated the  whole  affair,  as  most  unworthy  of  any  art ;  the  object  obtained 
was  not  of  sufficient  value ;  the  labour  and  talent  used  was  0 ;  the 
character  of  the  individual  for  acquirement  in  art  or  literature,  for 
eloquence,  statesmanlike  qualities,  or  any  great  distinguishing  property 
was  again  0.  And  this  man  is  recompensed  by  the  members  of  the 
dramatic  art  as  its  champion,  patron,  protector,  etc.  Faugh  !  I  told 
Willmott  that  I  should  enter  my  protest  against  it,  if  it  were  a  public 
measur'e,  but  it  is  a  hole-and-corner  one.  I  gave  Miss  Faucit  my 
opinion,  leaving  her  to  act  as  she  thought  best. 

January  ^5th. — Called  on  Campbell,  whom  I  found  at  home,  and 
to  whom  I  mentioned  the  purpose  of  placing  Mrs.  Siddons's  bust  in 
the  Abbey ;  he  entered  into  it  as  cordially  as  he  could  into  anything, 
for  he  has  not  the  oestrum  in  his  manner.  He  expressed  himself 
anxious  to  improve  our  acquaintance.  Called  at  Forster's,  thence  to 
Ransom's  where  I  paid  in  my  dividends,  onward  to  find  Sheil's  dwelling, 
which  I  could  not  discover,  to  Sir  Francis  Chantrey's,  with  whom  I 
had  again  a  long  talk.  He  interests  me  much  by  his  downright  manner 
and  his  confidence  with  regard  to  his  conceptions.  He  approved  the 
committee.  I  saw  Allan  Cunningham,  and  expressed  myself  willing 
to  receive  his  play  of  Wallace,  about  which  he  had  written  to  me. 
Called  at  Lord  Lansdowne's ;  he  was  just  going  to  the  Council  at  the 
Palace.  I  merely  left  my  card.  To  Sir  M.  A.  Shee,  whom  I  found  at 
home  and  Gaily  Knight  ^  sitting  to  him. 

January  9!7th. — Thought  a  good  deal  upon  my  prospects  and  claims  ; 
calculated  for  my  children's  good,  and  see  little  to  reason  me  from  the 
necessity  of  again  entering  management,  if  I  can  do  so  without  hazard 
of  what  I  possess.  The  stage  seems  to  want  me.  There  is  no  theatre, 
but  that  to  a  man  with  a  family  is  no  argument ;  there  is  no  theatre 
for  me,  and  that  is  an  overwhelming  plea.  Then  much  may  be  done 
of  good  in  all  ways. 

January  28th. — A  very  courteous  note  from  Lord  Lansdowne  giving 
his  name  and  co-operation  to  the  Siddons  monument.  Looked  at  the 
newspaper.  Wrote  to  Horace  Twiss,  to  Lord  Northampton,  to  Thomas 
Moore,  to  Sheil,  to  Lord  Normanby,  to  Hallam,  to  Babbage,  to  Mr. 
Milnes,  all  on  the  Siddons  monument. 


as  an  ensign  in  the  Coldstream  Guards,  but\<;oon  resigned  his  commission  and  entered  Parlia- 
ment as  an  extreme  Radical,  in  which  capacity  he  presented  the  Chartist  Petition  of  1842. 
He  was  also  an  active  member  of  the  "  Friends  of  Italy,"  and  a  supporter  of  Kossuth. 

^  Henry   Gaily   Knight  ( 1 786- 1 846) ;  an   authority  on  architecture;  for  some  time  in 
Parliament. 

117 


I 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

Jduudrii  il\)th. — Acted  Evelyn  very  well.  Bulwer  came  into  my 
room,  and  talked  long  about  his  own  defects  in  public  speaking? — the 
effect  of  his  nervousness,  etc. — which  I  explained  to  liim — about  Sir 
R.  ^Valpole  as  a  subject  for  a  comedy. 

January  Slst. — Dickens  called  for  me  and  I  accompanied  him  to 
Rogers's,  where  we  dined.  Met  Eastlake,  Colonel  Fox,  Kenney, 
Maltby,  Sir  George  Talbot,  Babbage,  and  a  young  man  whom  I  had 
met  at  Lord  Lansdowne's.  A  pleasant  day.  Showed  Rogers  my 
committee  list,  Avith  which  he  was  pleased. 

Fchrunrii  Ist. — Wrote  notes  to  Lockhart,  Procter,  Sir  A.  Calcott, 
Barry,  Cockerell,  H.  Taylor,  inviting  them  to  be  on  the  Siddons 
committee. 

Fchruary  ^nd. — Beazley  called,  and  I  inquired  of  him  tlie  con- 
dition, prospects,  and  probable  proceeding  of  the  persons  directing 
Drury  I.ane  theatre,  mentioning  my  own  vieAVs,  my  inability  to  continue 
at  the  Haymarket  theatre,  and  the  necessity  there  was  for  my  finding 
some  theatre  for  the  drama.  He  caught  at  the  idea  of  my  entering 
upon  it,  but  saw  a  necessity  for  taking  some  person,  Lord  Glengall 
or  Mr.  Dunn  (both  intimates  of  Mr.  Bunn),  into  confidence.  We  talked 
much  of  it,  and  parted,  each  to  think  of  it,  and  I  to  make  some  digest 
of  my  views. 

Februdrif  iird. — Rose  in  good  time  ;  gave  the  children  their  lessons 
and  went  out  a  few  minutes  after  nine  to  call  on  Horace  Twiss ;  talked 
to  him  of  the  Siddons  monument.  He  mentioned,  among  others, 
Crokcr's  name,  l)ut  as  he — Croker — thought  the  "art  not  sufficiently 
elevated  to  merit  tlie  election  of  a  leading  actor  into  the  Athena?um 
Clulj,"  he  does  not  seem  to  be  a  proper  person  to  offer  honour  to  the 
most  eminent  of  the  professors  of  that  art.  He  was  to  procure  me 
what  names  he  could.  Went  on  to  see  Mr.  Harness,  asked  him,  as 
Mrs.  Siddons's  friend,  to  procure  any  names  he  could,  and  give  them 
to  Milman  or  myself ;  he  evidently  Avished  to  be  on  the  committee,  but 
I  do  not  understand  his  claim  ;  and,  if  his  man  account  he  true,  which 
I  doubt,  he  formed  a  committee  for  the  same  purpose,  but  never  applied 
tn  inc.  We  talked  about  Mrs.  Butler,  and  he  Avished  to  be  very 
friendly,  but  he  has  not  the  murus  ahcncus  of  Horace  when  with  me. 
Called  on  Dickens  and  Dr.  Spry.  Letter  from  Lord  Aberdeen  accept- 
ing the  place  on  the  committee;  one  from  Barry,  the  architect, 
declining. 

Fchruarif  4f/». — Willie  and  Eddywaddy  conspired  to  pull  me  out  of 
bed  at  an  early  hour  tliis  morning — the  dear  felloAvs  !  and  by  this 
ii8 


1841]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

stratagem  they  were  got  out  of  their  beds  earlier  than  usual.  Gave 
the  children  their  lessons. 

February  5th. — Was  guilty  of  bad  taste  in  telling  an  unbecoming 
(for  me)  story  in  the  green-room.  I  did  not  think  of  it.  News  of  the 
Duke  of  Wellington's  sudden  illness  in  the  House  of  Lords.  Miss 
H.  Faucit  told  me  of  Mr.  Farren's  report  of  a  splendid  comedy  at 
Covent  Garden  theatre  by  a  Mr.  Lee  Morton.  Letter  from  Sheil, 
declining  ( !)  to  give  his  name  to  Mrs.  Siddons's  monument.  Calculated 
its  value. 

February  6th. — Miss  Faucit  told  me  on  the  stage  after  the  play  that 
I  had  seen  a  play  by  the  Mr.  Lee  Morton  who  had  read  his  comedy  at 
Covent  Garden  theatre ;  I  could  not  remember  it.  She  came  into  my 
room  and  gave  me  a  history  that  was  reported  of  me — ''that  this  Mr. 
Lee  iVIorton,  on  the  rejection  of  a  play  called  Woman  by  Madame 
Vestris,  had  sent  it  to  me ;  had  had  interviews  with  me  ;  that  I  had 
said  I  would  act  the  play  if  he  would  take  the  good  speeches  out  of  the 
woman's  part  and  put  them  into  mine,  particularly  a  speech  in  praise 
of  Shakspeare,  and  the  tag ;  that  although  his  play  had  been  rejected 
at  Covent  Garden  theatre,  he  nevertheless  would  not  submit  to  this. 
I  tried  vainly  to  recollect  in  years  back  any  circumstances  respecting 
such  a  play,  on  which  these  statements  could  have  been  founded.  I 
could  think  of  none.  I  told  Miss  Faucit  that  it  did  not  at  all  disturb 
me  ;  that  the  calumny  of  actors  was  what  I  had  always  had  to  bear, 
but  that  it  did  not  reach  me  in  the  opinions  of  the  intelligent  and 
estimable.  Miss  Faucit  seemed  concerned  that  these  things  were  said 
of  me  by  everybody ;  viz.  that  "  I  Avas  so  selfish,  and  would  let  no  one 
have  a  chance."  How  everybody's  "  everybody  "  differs,  the  one  from 
the  other !  I  told  her  I  had  never  seen  the  man ;  never  seen  the  play ; 
that  it  was  altogether  a  falsehood.  I  laughed  a  good  deal  at  it,  and 
told  her  these  things  did  not  reach  me.  She  could  not  inform  me  of 
Mr.  Lee  Morton's  real  name,  and  I  said  I  would  ask  Willmott  of  it. 
Mr.  Farren  had  been  her  informant,  to  whom  Mr.  C.  Mathews  had 
related  the  slander,  Mr.  Lee  Morton  standing  by !  !  Willmott  came 
in ;  had  heard  of  the  Covent  Garden  comedy,  and  its  author,  Mr.  Lee 
Morton ;  did  not  know  his  real  name,  but  John  Webster  knew  every- 
thing about  him,  having  lived  with  him.  I  sent  for  John  Webster, 
who,  without  any  reservation,  related  to  me  that  he  knew  the  man  well ; 
his  name  was  Belvedere  Dion  Boucicault ;  that  Dr.  Lardner  was  his 
guardian  (Dion  !  by  the  gods !) ;  that  he  had  tried  the  stage  at  Chelten- 
ham and  Brighton ;  had  become  acquainted  with  a  Miss  Lacy  of  the 

119 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 


[1841 


Bristol  theatre;  through  her  with  a  Mr.  Parratt ;  through  liim  with 
Mr.  Bart  ley,  to  whom  he  had  shown  two  acts  of  a  play;  that  he  wrote 
the  play  of  Woman  under  John  Webster's  eye,  as  he  lived  with  him 
at  the  time,  and  John  Webster  read  each  scene  as  it  was  written  ;  that 
lie  took  it  to  Covent  Garden  theatre,  where  it  was  rejected,  and  it  was 
proposed  to  him  to  write  a  comedy ;  that  John  AVebster  wished  him 
to  let  him  bring  it  to  me,  assuring  him  that  if  he  told  me  it  was  the 
work  of  a  young  man  I  was  certain  to  read  it.  He  did  not.  If  he  had 
sent  the  play  to  me,  it  must  have  been  within  the  last  three  months. 
Here  was  the  whole  lie  exploded.  I  sent  for  Miss  Faucit,  and,  in  the 
presence  of  Willmott,  told  her  what  had  passed. 

February  Sth. — Acted  Evelyn  very  feebly.  Spoke  again  with  Miss 
Faucit  about  the  affair  of  Mr.  Lee  Morton,  etc.  8he  told  me  that 
Mr.  Farren  had  spoken  with  him  on  Saturday  night  and  questioned 
him  ;  that  he  had  said  he  had  not  had  any  direct  communication  with 
me,  but  the  transaction  was  through  a  friend.  Mr.  Farren  thought 
that  the  falsehood  was  chiefly  Mr.  C.  Mathews's,  as  he  now  was  made 
to  confcas  that  Mr.  I.ee  Morton  was  not  "standing  by,"  but  only  "in 
the  room  "  when  the  falsehood  was  told. 

February  dth. — Thought  over,  dictated,  and  wrote  a  letter  to  Mr. 
C.  Mathews,  simply,  and  I  think  tranquilly,  observing  that  there  was 
not  one  word  of  truth  in  the  statements  reported  to  have  been  made 
by  him,  Mr.  C.  Mathews,  in  the  Covent  Garden  green-room.  Copies 
were  sent  to  Mr.  Harley  and  Cooper,  the  persons  present  at  the  narra- 
tion, and  one  I  kept  to  give  Miss  Faucit  for  Mr.  Farren. 

February  llth. — At  home  found  a  very  foolish  (I  think)  and 
impertinent  note  from  Mr.  C.  Mathews,  which  I  folded  up  altogether 
to  return  to  him  ;  on  reflection,  however,  I  did  not  see  that  I  should 
be  clearly  justified  in  that,  and  wrote  a  brief  answer  to  the  effect  that 
the  note  he  had  termed  "anonymous"  was  in  my  name.  I  rested 
through  the  afternoon.  Forster  called.  I  was  not  easy  at  having 
perhaps  having  embroiled  myself  with  Mr.  C.  Mathews ;  but  I  reflected 
that  I  was  not  the  aggressor — indeed  was  seriously  injured.  Acted 
Evelyn  very  fairly.  Spoke  to  Miss  Faucit,  asking  her  what  Mr.  Farren 
said  to  the  note  to  Mr,  C.  Mathew^s.     He  thought  it  quite  proper. 

February  12f/?. — Miss  Faucit  sent  to  express  her  wish  to  speak  to 
me.  She  told  me  that  Mr.  Farren  had  turned  round  in  his  idea  of  the 
Lee  Morton  slander,  that  Mr.  C.  Mathews  would  send  me  another 
letter,  and  if  I  did  not  reply  to  him  as  he  required,  the  whole  matter 
would  appear  in  the  newspapers ;  that  they  had  proof  ( !  !) — letters, 
120 


1841]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

etc.,  from  some  intimate  connection  of  mine!!  I  laughed  much; 
and  these  are  players — my  brother  performers ! !  !  Great  God !  is 
there  a  viler  thing,  a  thing  more  ridiculously  base,  than  a  mere 
player ! 

February  IMh. — A  note  was  brought  to  me  from  Mr.  ('harles 
Mathews.  I  enclosed  it  in  a  cover,  observing  that  "  having  already 
intimated,  upon  his  admission  of  facts  and  his  threat  of  publication, 
that  I  should  decline  further  correspondence  with  him,  I  begged  to  be 
excused  opening  the  enclosed,"  which  I  sent  directly  back  to  Covent 
Garden  theatre  unopened.  Saw  Miss  Chester  ^  in  a  private  box.  We 
are  growing  old ;  it  is  visible  that  we  are  so  in  the  faces  of  those  around 
us — the  best  looking-glass. 

February  14f/r. — Anderson  called.  I  told  him  that  what  I  wished 
to  speak  with  him  upon  was  under  the  condition  of  the  strictest  secrecy 
and  in  the  most  perfect  confidence.  He  assured  me  of  my  perfect 
dependence  on  his  faith,  and  I  developed  to  him  my  views  on  Drury 
Lane,  in  case  the  proprietors  were  willing  to  entrust  the  theatre  to  me  ; 
observing  to  him,  that  if  he  were  not  satisfied  with  his  condition  at 
Covent  Garden  theatre  (which  he  represented  himself  not  to  be),  that 
I  should  be  willing  to  regard  him  as  one  attached  to  the  undertaking, 
if  it  reached  anything ;  that  I  should  place  him  in  an  official  situation, 
and  should  look  forward  to  him  as  my  successor  in  the  course  of  time. 
He  expressed  his  readiness  and  happiness  to  be  made  a  participator  in 
such  an  undertaking.  The  conversation  led  on  to  other  things,  and 
what  I  wished  to  avert — my  correspondence  with  Mr.  Mathews.  I 
told  him  of  it,  and,  as  I  could  not  recollect  it,  read  the  correspond- 
ence to  him.  I  told  him  I  would  as  soon  as  possible  for  his  own  sake 
apprise  him  of  the  chances  of  proceeding ;  he  left  me,  gratified,  if  with 
no  other  result,  with  the  conversation  he  had  had. 

February  15th. — Found  Edward  here,  who  had  written  a  note  to 
me — among  other  things  complaining  of  Forster's  Caliban  manners — 
which  I  cannot  defend. 

February  16th. — Acted  Evelyn  well.  Miss  Faucit  had  sent  me  a 
note,  enclosing  a  letter  from  Mr.  C.  Mathews,  which  I  would  not  read. 
Afterwards  she  told  me  that  his  returned  letter  contained  a  denial  of 
"having  made  the  assertions,"  with  certain  recriminating  charges, 
showing  his  consciousness  of  all  that  could  be  urged  against  him. 
Farren,  it  appears,  attacked  him  upon  this  denial,  which  resolved  itself 

*  An  actress  whose  personal  attractions  had  obtained  for  her  the  post  of  "  reader  "  to 
George  IV. 

121 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

into  a  "  denial  that  he  had  asserted,  he  had  only  repeated "' !  !  !     I 

told  iier  Mr.  Farren  must  write  his  own  exculpation. 

Februarji  111th. — Wrote  a  note  to  my  brother  Edward  to  come  over, 
which  he  did.  After  very  much  talk,  we  agreed  that  I  should  wait  at 
home  all  day  for  the  cliance  of  Mr.  Lee  Morton's  promised  call ;  should 
make  an  appointment  with  O'Hanlon  to-morrow,  find  this  I^.  Morton 
and  obtain  some  satisfaction  respecting  these  '*  proofs."  Wrote  to 
O'Hanlon  for  to-morrow;  wrote  to  Farren,  demanding  his  authority 
for  what  he  had  repeated  of  me.  Miss  Faucit  told  me  that  they — the 
set — insisted  they  had  seen  proofs.  I  told  her  I  should  search  for  them. 
\\'illmott  would  tell  me  that  Mathews  had  sent  copies  and  statements  to 
all  the  performers.  Sent  him  everywhere  in  search  of  Mr.  Lee  Morton  ; 
desired  him  to  get  the  aid  of  the  police,  and  offered  five  guineas  to 
discover  him.     Note  from  Farren,  acknowledging  all. 

February  18th. — Lunn  came  from  his  quest  of  Mr.  Lee  Morton ; 
sent  him  again  to  ask  Mr.  Brougham  his  address  from  myself.  Looked 
at  tlie  neAvspaper.  My  mind  was  in  all  the  restlessness  of  expectation, 
and  my  body  in  the  uneasy  nervousness  resulting  from  it.  Disap- 
pointed ;  sent  Lunn  again  to  the  address  gained — 45,  Leicester  Square. 
Tried  to  read  a  paper  on  education,  but  could  do  nothing.  Lunn  at 
last  returned  with  news  that  he  had  traced  him  to  his  earth — that  he 
was  at  45,  Leicester  Square.  The  carriage  returned,  and  I  set  off  in  it, 
much  improved  in  spirits,  to  call  at  White  and  AYhitmore's  ;  found 
White — not  the  best  man,  but  still  a  solicitor — told  my  tale,  and 
suggested  another  witness,  which  I  saw  necessary.  We  called  on 
Forster  and  found  him  at  work,  made  him  put  on  his  clothes,  and  we 
drove  to  Leicester  Square  ;  alighted  at  some  distance  from  the  house, 
and,  walking  to  it,  we  inquired  for  Mr.  Lee  Morton,  and  following  the 

woman  up-slairs,  met  Mr.  L.  M at  the  drawing-room  door.     A 

Mr.  Perrott  came  in  and  was  going  out,  but  I  requested  him  to  remain 
as  "  Mr.  L.  M.'s  friend."  I  explained  to  him — as  agreed  on  amongst 
us — my  object  in  calling  on  him.  He  said  he  was  just  coming  to  call 
on  me,  appealing  to  Mr.  Perrott.  I  told  Inm  that  Mr.  Mathews  had 
made  certain  statements  which  compromised  him,  and  I  wished  to  hear 
his  own  statement  before  I  accepted  another's  assertions.  He  said 
that  he  had  received  letters  from  a  friend  of  his,  a  Mr.  Roynon  Jones, 
saying  he  had  presented  the  play  of  Woman,  to  me,  and  that  I  had 
chosen  a  part  in  it,  with  the  obnoxious  additions,  not  distinctly  attri- 
buted to  me.  I  asked  him  if  he  would  object  to  give  up  the  letters ; 
he  said  no,  and  I  took  them — they  were  priceless  to  me.  Forster  asked 
122 


1841]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

him  to  repeat  exactly  what  he  had  said  to  Mr.  C.  Mathews,  as  it  was 
probable  much  more  had  been  said  than  his  words  authorized.  lie 
told  his  tale,  which  he  said  he  had  only  given  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
C.  Mathews,  and  expressly  denied  the  different  points  we  put 
to  him,  viz.  whether  he  had  said  I  Avished  to  take  'Hhe  best 
speeches  "  from  the  Avoman's  part,  and  whether  he  had  withdrawn  the 
play  in  consequence,  leaving  part  of  the  falsehood  with  Mr.  C.  Mathews. 
Forster  then  observed  that  of  course  he  would  not  object  to  write  down 
what  he  had  stated ;  he  consented,  sat  down  to  write ;  he  read  what 
he  had  set  down,  which  was  sufficient ;  he  signed  it,  and  his  friend 
Mr.  Perrott  and  my  solicitor  Mr.  White  witnessed  it.  Mr.  Perrott 
said  that  he  had  been  certain  I  had  not  seen  the  play  from  the  first. 
Left  him,  and  gratefully  returned  home,  parting  from  White  and 
Forster.  Came  home,  languid,  weary,  yet  at  peace,  thank  God ! 
Lunched,  and  found  a  letter  from  Clarke,  subscribing  to  my  terms  ; 
another  from  Landor,  crabbedly,  I  think,  declining  tc  be  on  the  Siddons 
Committee.  Went  with  Nina  to  Westminster  Abbey ;  showed  her  the 
monuments  of  several  poets,  the  choir,  etc.  Chantrey  arrived,  and  we 
examined  every  part  of  it,  marking  several  places  as  available  for  a 
monument.  He  stood  in  the  places  to  show  me  the  effect  of  the  light, 
and  made  me  stand  for  him.  I  am  greatly  pleased  in  listening  to  the 
ponderous  sense  of  his  remarks.  He  observed,  as  we  parted,  that  now 
I  might  call  my  committee,  and  that  it  would  be  better  to  see  what 
we  could  get  before  we  decided  on  anything.  He  was  very  tenacious 
of  being  forced  on  the  committee,  and  laid  strict  injunctions  on  me  to 
beware  of  such  a  course.  After  the  play,  asked  Misses  H.  Faucit, 
P.  Horton,  Mr.  Wrench  and  Willmott,  and  read  them  the  proofs, 
"undated  and  envenomed,"  with  Mr.  Lee  Morton's  attested  retracta- 
tion and  confession. 

Fehruarn  Idth. — Brydone  called;  held  a  long  conversation.  I  saw 
a  picture  of  human  nature  ;  he  now  sees  the  opportunity  of  being  im- 
portant to  Mr.  C.  Mathews,  etc.,  and  is  disposed  to  extenuate  wh^t 
before  he  thought  so  strong  against  them.     He  is  not  false,  but  is  not 

strong-minded.     I  said  Mr.  C.  M was  altogether  wrong.     I  had 

done  with  him.  Rut  if  I  were  told  that  he  wished  to  withdraw  his 
letters,  and  I  saw  that  written  by  him,  I  should  not  refuse  to  write  to 
Brydone,  saA'ing  I  dismissed  all  feeling  of  irritation  on  the  subject. 
Walked  out  with  Dickens,  left  cards  at  Rogers's.  Went  into  several 
auction-rooms,  looking  at  curious  and  pretty  things.  Walked  home; 
was  very  much  tired.     AVrote  to  Bulwer,  trying  to  dissuade  him  from 

123 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

dininrj  at,  the  Shakspearian  Club  Festival,  of  which  that  scoundrel 
Gregory,  editor  of  the  Satirist,  is  the  head.  Wrote  to  the  postmaster 
of  Gloucester,  enclosing  a  letter  to  Mr.  Rorjnon  Jones.  Acted  Evelyn 
very  fairly.    Received  a  note,  wishing  an  interview  with  Mr.  Lee  Morton. 

Fchrunnj  20</i. — Mr.  Lee  Morton  called — for  what  I  could  scarcely 
understand,  except  to  seek  for  pity  somewhere;  the  whole  Covent 
Garden  tril)e  turn  like  curs  upon  him  and  yelp  and  bark  in  one  cry, 
one  note  against  him,  bearing  down  by  clamour  all  he  may  say.  They 
have  exaggerated  his  statements,  and  what  he  told  without  feeling  they 
have  repeated  with  malignant  exultation.  I  dealt  kindly  by  him,  and 
gave  him  some  salutary  advice.  Paid  Lunn  his  wages  and  gave  him 
what  I  had  promised,  if  he  succeeded — £5  5s.  for  finding  Mr.  Lee 
Moreton.  Acted  Evelyn  very  well.  It  seems  now  to  me,  if  age  is 
not  too  observable  in  me,  an  artificial  performance.  Helen  Faucit 
brought  me  some  letters  of  Mr.  Webster  to  ask  my  counsel  on. 
Willmott  came  to  ask  me  about  the  plays  for  next  season  from  Mr. 
Webster.  I  would  give  him  no  answer  until  next  season.  I  will  write 
to  him  as  much.  Note  from  Wliite,  enclosing  one  from  Gloucester, 
with  an  account  of  Roynon  Jones. 

February  ^6th. — Lunn  called,  and  his  news  was  that  tlie  Queen 
was  to  visit  the  Haymarket  to-night.  Mr.  Faraday  had  called.  Acted 
Evelyn  unequally — pretty  well.  I  saw  that  Lord  Normanby  had  ]>laced 
himself  in  one  of  the  boxes  opjwsite  to  the  Queen's  side  of  the  House. 

February  ^Ith. — Went  to  Lord  Northampton's  ;  thought  his  recep- 
tion of  me  rather  cold  ;  saw  array  of  Bulwer,  Wheatstone,  Chantrey, 
Cartwright,  Brockedon,  Babbage,  EUiotson,  Talfourd,  who  introduced 
me  to  Lord  Monteagle,  and  to  Pierce  Butler,  with  whom  I  had  some 
conversation,  and  one  or  two  others — Peel,  Ternan,  M.  Milnes,  Bishop 
of  Norwich,  and  a  large  crowd  were  there.     Did  not  enjoy  my  evening. 

February  28(7?, — Ikydone  called  and  gave  me  an  account  of  Mr. 
C.  Mathews — which  did  not  quite  satisfy  me  as  direct  and  clear ;  he 
wished  me,  which  I  did  not,  to  see  his  letter  to  Brydone.  I  looked  at 
it,  and  perceiving  that  it  professed  to  be  written  "in  consequence  of 
the  conciliatory  tone  he  had  heard  I  had  used,"  I  returned  it  to 
Brydone  without  reading  more,  declining  to  be  recorded  as  one  seeking 
to  conciliate  a  person  who  had  inflicted  such  an  injury  upon  me,  who 
had  behaved  so  sliglitingly  and  discourteously  to  me,  and  to  whom  I 
felt  perfect  indifference.  I  was  content  that  things  should  rest 
in  statu  quo.  Daniel  called — talked  long.  I  had  been  hesitating  the 
whole  morning,  but  at  length  walked  out  with  Brydone  to  Piccadilly. 
124 


1841]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

Called  on  Mrs.  Butler ;  saw  C.  Kenible,  wasted,  old,  decrepit ;  he  said 
lie  had  suffered  much,  but  that  now  he  thought  he  was  "'landed"; 
he  looked  as  if  he  would  be  soon,  but  he  had  walked  down  to  the 
(iarrick  Club  and  back  1  and  felt  that  it  was  a  little  too  much  for 
him.  Pierce  Butler  seemed  glad  to  see  me ;  an  American,  General 
Hamilton,  came  in,  and  we  talked.  He  and  Mr.  Butler  went  out  to 
dine  with  Trelawny,  after  Mrs.  Butler  came  in.  I  liked  her  frank 
and  genuine  manner  very  much  indeed ;  it  is  rarely  that  I  have  seen 
a  person  I  have  been  so  taken  with.  We  talked  long.  Found  Forster 
at  home;  he  dined  with  us.  Stories  of  country  theatres  and  my 
father's  amused  us  through  an  idle  evening. 

March  2/u/. — Brydone  called  and  read  to  me  Mr.  C.  Mathews's  letter 
to  him,  which  I  observed  to  him  was  ridiculous ;  he,  the  offending 
party,  wrote  as  if  requiring  retractation !  At  Brydone 's  instance  I 
wrote  the  letter  he  ought  to  have  written,  which  I  gave  him,  telling 
him  I  was  indifferent  to  any  further  movement  in  the  business.  I  spoke 
to  him  about  the  state  of  things  at  the  Haymarket,  and  the  seeming 
necessity  there  was  that  I  should  undertake  one  of  the  winter  theatres. 
Arranged  my  bills  and  receipts  and  rested.  At  the  theatre  received  a 
note  from  Miss  Faucit  asking  me  to  act  Jaques  as  a  second  piece  for 
her ;  I  went  up  to  her  room  and  told  her  I  could  not. 

March  3rd. — Going  out,  called  "to  enquire"  at  Lord  Lans- 
downe's ;  called  on  Rogers,  whom  I  found  at  home,  and  with  whom  I 
passed  a  most  delightful  half-hour ;  he  advised  me  to  call  on  old 
Uenman.^ 

March  4ith. — Began  to  act  Evelyn  very  languidly,  but  in  the  first 
act  saw  Mrs.  Adams  in  the  theatre,  and  played  my  very  best.  A  note 
from  a  Mrs.  Miller.  Heard  that  the  Covent  Garden  comedy — Mr. 
Lee  Morton's — had  been  successful  to  the  middle  of  the  fifth  act. 
Heard  that  a  deputation  ( !)  consisting  of  Messrs.  Sheridan  Knowles, 
Webster,  Wallack,  Wrench,  Vining  and  Strickland  had  gone  to 
present  their  cup  to  Mr.  T.  Buncombe !  Forster  reached  home  as 
I  did,  and  brought  news  of  the  comedy's  success.^ 

March  5th. — Saw  the  paper  with  an  eulogistic  account  of  Mr.  Lee 
Morton's  new  comedy  ;  as  I  have  always  held,  the  chief  among  the 
many  causes  of  the  drama's  decline  is  the  dramatic  criticism  of  England. 
Acted  Evelyn  but  indifferently,  being  unwell  and  languid.     Was  not 

^  The  Lord  Chief  Justice. 

*  Lotidon  Assurance.  The  comedy  brought  the  author,  then  barely  twenty-one,  into 
immediate  repute  as  a  playwright. 

125 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1841 

pleased  with  tlie  luamier  in  which  Miss  Faucit  spoke  of  the  comedy — 
accepting  evidence  that  against  herself  she  would  have  despised ;  it  was 
not  well. 

March  6th. — Read  the  papers.  Indignant  and  disgusted  with  the 
declaration  of  Lord  John  Russell,  that  if  Lord  Cardigan  had  not  been 
a  peer,  he  would  not  have  been  assailed  as  he  was !  'i'alked  and 
lliought  over  with  Catherine  the  state  and  prospect  of  my  affairs. 
I  would  wish  particularly  to  ''do  nothing  from  strife  or  vain-glory  '" — 
not  to  let  the  least  particle  of  either  motive  mingle  with  my  incentives 
to  act  for  my  family's  good.  I  do  not  think  I  have  any  other  view 
than  to  benefit  tiiem,  and  /  do  not  see  any  other  way  than  by  resuming 
the  direction  of  a  theatre.  Forster  told  me  to-day  that  Dickens  would 
put  an  advertisement  in  the  paper  on  Monday  in  reference  to  his 
father  ^ — which  I  told  him  he  ought  not  to  do. 

March  1th. — Went  out  to  call  on  Dickens,  who  read  me  part  of 
his  preface  to  Oliver  Twist — which  I  liked ;  on  Lord  Denman,  who 
was  not  at  home ;  on  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pierce  Rutler  (with  whom  I  found 
Mr.  Bartley !),  and  with  whom  I  talked  some  time,  and  asked  them 
to  dine.  Called  on  Mrs.  Norton,  whom  I  found,  beautiful  in  the 
languor  of  returning  health,  reclining  on  a  sofa.  The  Contessina  (so 
calling  herself)  Vespucci  came  in  and  sat  some  time.  Mr.  Charles 
Sheridan,  who  talked  to  me  much  about  a  College  of  Civil  Engineers, 
just  established  at  Putney,  in  which  he  took  interest,  and  Lord  Augustus 
Fitzdarence  were  there.  I  sat  long.  Called  on  Young  and  sat  some 
time  with  him.  Going  home  passed  that  bad  man  Bunn,  looking 
rather  shabby.  Dickens  was  strong  for  me  to  resume  the  direction 
of  a  theatre.  Fox,  etc.,  also.  I  resolved  to  do  so,  and  saw  what 
Icjoked  auguries  of  good. 

March  i)</i.— Went  out  earlier  than  usual,  enjoying  the  sweet 
spring  air  as  I  walked,  to  call  on  Reazley.  I  learned  from  him  that 
he  harl  connnunicated  with  Dunn — had  learned  distinctly  and  positively 
from  him  that  the  Committee  entertained  no  idea  of  retaining  Mr. 
Bunn  in  the  theatre,  that  his  re-occupation  was  quite  out  of  the 
questioji ;  to  Beazley's  mention  of  myself  he  cordially  responded,  and 
felt  sure  of  the  Committee's  acquiescence. 

March  VMh. — Received  a  note  from  Helen  Faucit,  enclosing  an 
anonymous  letter  and  a  critique  from  the  Morning  Herald,  wishing 
my  opinion.     In  a  hasty  discourse  with   her  I  exj)lained  to  her  that 

*  Supposed  to  t)e  tlie  prototype  of  Mica\\l)er.     His  constant   pecuniary  emhair.issnients 
cuused  Uicken*  no  little  annoyance. 
126 


1841]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

it  was  not  I  whom  she  ""  imitated  " — the  charge  against  her — but  tliat 
she  was  languid  and  untrue. 

March  14t/i. — Bulwer  called  and  invited  me  to  dine  on  Thursday, 
mentioning  his  wish  to  invite  Mr.  Boucicault — alias  Lee  Morton — and 
inquiring  if  I  objected  to  meet  him.  I  told  him  that  in  dining  at 
Ids  house,  I  was  indifferent  about  the  persons  I  met,  but  that  I 
thought  he  ought  to  know  all  I  knew  of  Mr.  Boucicault  before  he 
made  up  his  mind  to  invite  him.  I  told  him  of  the  late  occurrences 
and  showed  him  the  "proofs,  etc.,"  on  which  he  drew  in,  and  gave 
up  the  idea  of  our  meeting.^  Kind  Elliotson  called  and  saw  the 
children.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mclan,  ]\Ir.  and  Mrs.  Brydone,  Mrs.  Wight- 
wick,  Mr.  Stone,"  Greaves  and  George  Warde  and  Miss  P.  Hoi- ton 
came  to  dinner.  We  passed  rather  a  cheerful  day ;  Mr.  Stone,  who 
is  a  bore,  though  a  very  clever  artist,  would  persist  in  a  tedious 
argument.  While  dressing  for  dinner,  received  a  letter  from  a  Mr. 
Mulock  whom,  it  seems,  I  had  met  in  calling  on  Young — arguing  a 
sort  of  case  for  Mr.  C.  Mathews.     I  said  I  would  send  an  answer. 

March  16th. — Mr.  Mulock  called  by  appointment — much  gratified 
by  my  letter  to  him.  I  made  it  a  preliminary  to  our  conversation 
that  it  should  be  understood  and  agreed  between  us  that  Mr.  C. 
Mathews,  after  what  had  passed,  had  no  claim  on  me,  that  1  had 
quite  done  with  him,  that  I  should  receive  no  message  from  him, 
that  he  was  in  effect  "thrown  overboard"!  I  then  came  to  the 
necessity  of  agreeing  upon  the  point  of  the  reality  or  not  of  the 
injury  in  Mr.  Mathews's  repeated  statements.  Mr.  Mulock  admitted 
that  as  he  now  saw  them  they  were  pregnant  with  injury  to  me — most 
injurious.  W^e  passed  a  long  time — too  long  a  time — in  the  discussion 
of  this  worthless  subject ;  at  last  it  resolved  itself  to  the  complaint 
that  others  as  well  as  Mr.  Mathews  had  the  impression  that  I  meant 
to  charge  him  with  originating  the  slander  against  me ;  this  I  disavowed 
on  my  own  account;  said  I  would  not  be  content  with  a  mere  verbal 
disavowal,  but  that  I  would  write  to  him,  Mr.  Mulock,  my  denial 
of  any  such  charge.  It  appeared  that  Mr.  C.  Mathews  liad  repeated 
these  statements  and  spread  the  slander,  which  Avas  only  a  difference 

^  The  Lee  Morton  incident,  which  Macready  took  so  seriously,  seems  to  have  originated 
in  the  desije  of  Mr.  C.  Mathews  and  other  congenial  spirits  to  "get  a  iise"out  of  the 
austere  and  somewhat  high-handed  tragedian,  who  was  far  from  being  popular  in  the  profes- 
sion. They  undoubtedly  carried  the  aftair  beyond  the  limits  of  joke,  but  Boucicault  was 
evidently  an  unwilling  agent,  for  whose  youth  and  inexperience  Macready  might  well  have 
made  greater  allowance. 

•^  Frank  Stone  (1800- 1 859),  afterwards  A.R.A. 

127 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

in  degree  from  llie  very  first  issue.  He  left  me  with  many  declarations 
of  hif^h  opinion,  etc.  Colonel  Garwood  *  had  in  the  meantime  called 
with  Mrs.  Gurwood,  and  I  did  not  see  them  !  Wrote  the  letter  to 
Mulock,  as  stated.  Pierce  Butler  called.  Note  from  Wheatstone. 
Went  with  dear  Catherine  to  dine  with  tlie  Brayshers.  Met  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Peile,  a  wretched  "  dust  "  called  Fletcher,  Helen  Faucit,  and 
some  intolerables.  Liked  Peile  and  one  or  two  others.  Was  very 
intolerant — not  with  due  regard  to  good  breeding — in  the  conversation 
with  that  vminformed,  assuming,  talking  "dust." 

March  IHth. — Dined  with  Bulwer  and  met  a  Mr. of  the  British 

Museum — an  awful  geological  dust  and  bore,  Sir  Charles  Morgan, 
Blanchard,  Fox,  Forster ;  passed  a  cheerful  day.  Found  at  home  a 
letter  from  the  solicitor  of  stamps  and  taxes,  threatening  me  with 
levy  by  his  sheriff  if  I  did  not  pay  a  charge,  for  which  I  had  only 
asked  for  dates. 

March  20t/i. — Going  out  in  the  carriage  with  Catherine,  called 
on  Colonel  Gurwood ;  sat  some  time  with  Mrs.  Gurwood  and  Miss 
Meyer " — sweet  girl !  Went  to  the  Exhibition  of  British  Artists, 
Suffolk  Street.  Saw  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mclan  there.  Found  at  home  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Mulock  enclosing  me  one  from  Mr.  C.  Mathews  to  read, 
which  I  would  not  read. 

March  22n(I. — Called  on  Bulwer  and  talked  with  him  on  the 
business  of  the  Siddons  committee.  W^ent  to  Exeter  Hall.  Milman 
came,  Gaily  Knight,  then  Lord  Lansdowne.  We  talked  and  waited 
some  time,  and  no  one  coming,  proceeded  to  business.  Rogers  dropped 
in,  as  we  had  voted  three  or  four  resolutions,^  Avhich  were  approved. 

^  John  Gurwood  (1790-1845)  ;  Colonel,  C.B.,  editor  of  the  IVelHngton  Dispatches. 

*  Afterwards  first  Viscountess  Esher. 

*  The  Siddons  Monument.— At  a  meeting  of  the  committee  held  at  Exeter  Hail,  on 
March  22,  1841,  the  most  noble  the  Marquis  of  Lansdowne  in  the  Chair,  the  following 
resolutions  were  unanimously  agreed  to — 

Resolved. — That  as  monuments  have  been  erected  in  Westminster  Abbey  to  the  memory 
of  many  distinguished  professors  of  the  dramatic  art,  it  is  an  omission  on  the  part  of  those 
who  drew  delight  and  instruction  from  the  sublime  personations  of  Mrs.  Siddons,  lh.at  the 
name  of  that  actress,  who,  by  a  singular  union  of  the  highest  intellectual  and  physical 
qualifications,  transcended  the  artists  of  her  own,  or  perhaps,  of  any  other  time,  should  have 
so  long  remained  without  public  record  or  notice. 

Resolvet^. — That  in  order  to  render  justice  to  her  rare  perfections,  and  convey  to  posterity 
some  idea  of  the  estimation  in  which  her  surpassing  powers  were  held  by  her  contemporaries, 
a  bust  or  statue  of  Mrs.  Siddons  be  placed  in  Westminster  Abliey. 

Jieso/ve  J. —Thm  in  order  to  afionl  the  'pportunily  of  participating  in  this  object  to  those 
who  enjoyed  the  delight  of  witnessing  the  representations  of  this  great  actress,  or  who  have 
profited,  in  the  performances  of  inferior  artists,  by  the  lessons  her  genius  taught,  the  expenses 
of  the  proposed  monument  be  niL-t  by  a  public  subscription — (fwfe  by  Sir  F.  Pollock). 
128 


1841]  THE  DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

Then  Bulwer  came ;  an  excuse  from  Dickens  and  Tom  Moore.  The 
bankers,  advertisements,  etc.,  were  all  arranged.  Lord  L under- 
took to  write  to  Chantrey  on  the  business.  I  was  asked  if  I  would 
be  treasurer.  I  declined,  and  suggested  as  an  idle  man  C.  Young. 
On  breaking  up,  I  called  on  Young,  met  his  brother  George  with 
him — asked  him  to  be  treasurer ;  he  very  kindly  begged  off.  Lady 
Essex  and  Miss  Johnston  came  in.  She  is  unaltered  in  manner,  but 
in  beauty — alas !  where  are  the  charms  that  made  her  so  often  present 
to  my  sight  ?  Eheu !  fugaces !  Mrs.  Jameson,  Mrs.  Pierce  Butler, 
Kenney,  Dickens,  Travers,  Harness  and  Rogers  dined  with  us. 

March  23rd. — Beazley  and  Dunn  called,  and  we  talked  over  the 
feasibility  of  re-opening  Drury  Lane  theatre  as  a  theatre.  I  mentioned 
what  must  form  the  basis  of  any  agreement — liberty  to  close  at  a  day's 
notice ;  no  compulsion  to  pay  any  rent ;  no  rent  to  be  paid  before 
Christmas ;  my  salary  to  be  included  among  the  working  expenses  of 
the  theatre ;  the  theatre  not  to  be  opened  before  Christmas ;  to  be 
mine  in  virtue  of  a  clear  lesseeship  ;  not  for  the  committee  to  have 
the  power  of  letting  it  during  my  vacation,  etc^  As  I  was  preparing 
for  dinner  I  received  by  post  a  letter  from  Mr.  Mulock,  in  which  he 
distorts  a  statement  of  mine,  in  order  to  give  it  the  grossest  and  most 
direct  contradiction  ;  he  does  not  know  *  why  I  am  to  assume  so  much 
importance ;  that  I  cherish  an  unextinguishable  hate  towards  Mr. 
C.  Mathews ;  that  he  shall  recommend  Mr.  C.  Mathews  to  publish 
the  whole  of  the  correspondence,  and  that  the  public  may  think  as 
he  hinted  (so  he  says — a  falsehood)  that  my  sternness  to  Mr. 
C.  Mathews  arises  from  my  envy  of  his  great  success  in  Covent  Garden 
theatre.'  I  sat  down  to  answer  it,  but  found  I  must  give  the  lie  to 
everything  he  said,  and  that  the  letter  was  not  one  which  a  person 
with  any  pretension  to  gentlemanly  character  could  indite,  and  that 
no  gentleman  could  receive.  It  was  really  an  outrage.  I  at  last 
enclosed  it  in  an  envelope  and  returned  it  by  post.  Babbage,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Swinfen  Jervis,  Lady  Jenkins,  Lord  Nugent,  Sir  E.  Bulwer, 
Dr.  Quin  came  to  dinner.  Fonblanque  sent  an  excuse  at  the  last 
moment  for  himself  and  wife  from  Dinan.  This  is  not  right  in  any 
one ;  in  one  who  judges  and  canvasses  the  dealings  of  others  rigidly 
it  is  very  objectionable.  Our  table  was  broken  up,  and  the  day  was 
dull ;  in  the  evening  the  Fonblanques  came,  Colonel  and  Mrs.  Gurwood 
and  Miss  Meyer,  Martin,  Dickenses,  Sheils  and  Mrs.  Power,  Dr. 
Elliotson,  Professor  AVheatstone,  Miss  Hawes  and  mother.  Miss 
P.  Horton,  Mrs.  Horace  Twiss,  Mrs.  Kitchener,  Jephsons,  G.  Ray- 

VOL.  II.  K  129 


THE  DIARIES   OF  MACREADY         [1841 

mond,  Forster,  Z.  Troughton,  and  others  whom  I  forget.  I  was 
tired  out  before  we  were  left  alone — to  look  at  the  lights  in  the 
empty  room,  and  think  how  much  we  had  endured  (I  at  least)  for 
perhaps  censorious  comment.     Very  late  in  bed. 

March  24i//. — Wrote  out  the  heads  of  my  stipulations  in  any 
agreement  with  Drury  Lane  proprietors.  Lord  Glengall  and  Dunn 
called  ;  I  read  my  stipulations,  which  were  considered  admissible.  Lord 
Glengall  was  earnest  to  carry  the  proposed  agreement  into  effect. 
When  they  were  gone,  I  wrote  notes  of  summons  to  Serle  and 
Anderson.  Forster  came  to  dine.  I  told  him  of  that  old  vile  twaddle, 
Molock  or  Mulock. 

March  ^oth. — Brydone  called  ;  I  told  him  that  there  was  every 
prospect  of  an  arrangement  at  Drury  Lane ;  gave  him  directions  about 
the  advertisements.  Anderson  called,  and  informing  him  of  the  state 
of  affairs,  I  questioned  him  on  the  likelihood  of  Ellen  Tree's  adhesion. 
He  thought  she  would  be  adverse  to  me ;  Mrs.  Nisbett  *  not  so ;  Serle 
called,  and  we  entered  on  business — discussing  various  people ; 
despatched  them,  Anderson  to  Mrs.  Nisbett,  Serle  to  Keeley,^  Mrs. 
Clifford,  and  D.  llees. 

March  ^6th. — Mrs.  Warner  called — talked  very  much.  She  is 
quick-tongued,  I  never  felt  it  before ;  I  listened,  watching  my  oppor- 
tunity, and  spoke  on  the  business  of  Drury  Lane  theatre  ;  the  old  sore 
subject  came  up,  Miss  Faucit.  1  brought  it  to  this  point — either  make 
your  bargain  with  me  en  mdtier,  and  leave  me  to  reduce  it  as  I  can,  or 
come  to  me  in  the  confidence  of  a  friend  as  you  have  done  before. 
She  left  me  to  write  an  answer,  which  I  suppose  I  shall  receive. 
C.  J.  Smith  called  and  Serle ;  C.  J.  Smith  expressed  his  gratification 
in  coming  and  stating  his  salary  to  be  £3  10s.,  which  I  gave  him  the 
liberty  to  sign  for ;  signed  for  £3 !  All  are  not  bad  yet !  Anderson 
called  with  news  from  INIrs.  Nisbett,  who  was  anxious  to  come,  but 
wished  to  make  certain  stipulations  about  business  and  to  demand  a 
high  salary.  Serle  and  Anderson  were  to  call  on  her  together 
to-morrow.  Serle  brought  a  letter  from  Keeley  with  the  engagement 
of  himself  and  wife.^  Gave  them  directions  with  respect  to  Payne, 
Ellen    Tree,    etc.,    and    they    left    me.     After    dinner    wrote    notes 

*  Louisa  Craustoun  Nisbett  (1812-1858),  n^e  Mordaunt  ;  a  popular  comedy  actress  ;  she 
aficrvvards  married  Sir  William  Boothby,  after  whose  death  she  returned  to  the  stage,  6nally 
retiring  in  1851. 

*  Robert  Keeley  (1793-1869) ;  the  well-known  actor,  husband  of  Mary  Ann  Keeley. 

*  Mary  Ann  Keeley  (1805- 1899),  nie  Goward  ;  one  of  the  most  gified  tovi/dietntes  of  the 
nineteenth  century. 


1841]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

to  Harley  and  Young,  the  "Pantomime  Poet,"  enclosing  them  to 
Serle,  and  directing  him  to  dehver  them. 

April  3rd. — Found  Serle  at  home,  who  informed  me  that  the 
committee  were  most  anxious  that  I  should  undertake  the  theatre, 
and  appointed  to  meet  me  on  Monday  at  half-past  one;  that  Mrs. 
Nisbett  and  others  had  engaged  at  Covent  Garden  theatre.  I  dressed 
and  went  to  the  Athenaeum,  where  I  met  Dickens  and  Cattermole ; 
accompanied  Dickens  to  Lord  Northampton's,  where  the  meeting  was 
not  large.  Saw  Elliotson,  Stanfield,  Pickersgill,  Rogers,  Auldjo, 
Crabbe  Robinson,  Goldsmid,  Bishop,  Gaily  Knight. 

April  4f/i. — Young,  the  pantomimist,  called,  and  agreed  to  set  to 
work.  Anderson  and  Serle  called,  and  we  discussed  the  various  facts 
before  us.  I  mentioned  my  intention  of  writing  Miss  Kelly  ^  to  take 
the  old  women.  They  left  me.  Elliotson  called,  and  prescribed 
for  me. 

April  5th. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  and,  with  Serle,  met  the  Drury 
Lane  committee,  Lord  Glengall,  Messrs.  Allen,  Durrant  (Burgess, 
Secretary;  Dunn,  Treasurer),  and,  afterwards,  Sir  William  Curtis. 
They  discussed  the  heads  of  the  proposals  submitted  to  them,  and 
were  all  avowedly  anxious  for  my  tenancy.  They  wished  to  put  the 
taxes  of  the  theatre  in  the  current  expenses. 

April  6th. — Called  on  Miss  Kelly,  who  showed  me  over  her  theatre. ' 
which  is  very  pretty.  I  stated  my  business  to  her,  proposing  to  her 
the  line  of  old  characters  acted  by  Miss  Pope,  Mrs.  Mattocks,  etc. ; 

^  Frances  Maria  Kelly  (1790-1882) ;  a  distinguished  actress,  whose  youthful  performances 
had  enlisted  the  admiration  of  Fox  and  Sheridan.  She  played  chiefly  in  Shaksperian  parts, 
enacting  Ophelia  to  Edmund  Kean's  Hamlet.  Charles  Lamb  greatly  admired  her  and 
made  her  an  offer  of  marriage,  he  being  then  forty-four  and  she  twenty-nine.  "  I  am  not  so 
foolish,"  he  wrote,  "as  not  to  know  that  I  am  a  most  unworthy  match  for  such  a  one  as 
you  ;  but  you  have  for  years  been  a  principal  object  in  my  mind.  In  many  a  sweet  assumed 
character  I  have  learned  to  love  you  ;  but  simply  asF.  M.  Kelly  I  love  you  better  than  them 
all."  Miss  Kelly  returned  an  amiable  and  appreciative  refusal,  to  which  Lamb  made  the 
following  rejoinder : — 

"y>//y  20,  1819. 
"  Dear  Miss  Kelly, 

"  Yintr  injunctions  shall  be  obeyed  to  a  tilth.  I  feel  myself  in  a  lackadaisical 
no-howish  kind  of  a  humour.  I  believe  it  is  the  rain  or  something.  I  had  thought  to  have 
written  seriously,  but  I  fancy  I  succeed  best  in  epistles  of  mere  fun ;  puns  and  that  nonsense. 
You  will  be  good  friends  with  us,  will  you  not  ?  Let  what  has  passed  '  break  no  bones ' 
between  us.     You  will  not  refuse  us  them  next  lime  we  send  for  them  ? 

"  Yours  very  truly, 

"C.  L." 
(The  "bones "  was  a  joking  reference  to  the  ivory  free  passes  issued  by  the  theatre.) 
■•^  The  Royalty,  where  she  conducted  a  dramatic  school. 

K2  131 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1841 

talked  long  ^^ith  her  and  left  her,  promising  to  send  her  a  proposal. 
Forster  called  and  promised  to  come  to  dine.  Letter  from  Ellison, 
applying  for  the  oflice  of  leader  under  me  at  Drury  Lane.  Looked 
over  lists  of  plays  for  Miss  Kelly.  Elliotson  called  and  saw  Nina ; 
talked  long.  Forster  dined  with  me.  I  went  to  call  for  H.  Smith, 
and  he  accompanied  me  to  the  theatre.  The  General  Committee  was 
sitting ;  we  met  them.  I  explained  my  views ;  they  deliberated.  We 
met  them  again,  and  they  gave  me  the  tlieatre,  in  which  undertaking 
may  God  prosper  me. 

f  '^Birmingham,  April  13i/<. — Acted  INIacbeth  with  great  spirit,  i.  e. 
began  it  so,  and  felt  that  my  acting  begins  to  want  spirit,  which  I 
must  attend  to.     Was  marred  and  utterly  deprived  of  my  effects  by 

the  "support  "  of  a  Mr.  and  others  in  the  last  act.     Was  in  a 

violent  passion,  and  in  that  behaved  very  ill.  Oh,  my  cottage,  my 
cottage  I  shall  I  die  without  visiting  thee,  and  learning,  from  nature 
and  communion  with  my  God,  the  blessed  lesson  of  self-control !  What 
I  suffer  from  self-reproach  !     Oh  God,  assist  me ! 

April  14>th. — Sent  £1  to  a  Miss whom  I  only  just  knew,  but 

who  knew  acquaintances  of  mine.  She  is  now  apparently  destitute. 
I  remember  thinking,  as  a  boy,  her  father  a  very  proud  man,  who  kept 
a  gig,  and  a  person  of  consequence ;  he  had  a  toy-shop,  well  and  long 
known  in  this  street.  The  changes  of  things  and  thoughts  !  Received 
a  note  from  Phipson,  who  called,  and  in  a  few  words  rehearsed  a  sad 
catalogue  of  woes  that  had  befallen  him  since  I  last  saw  him.  He  lost 
a  child,  his  only  daughter,  in  October;  he  lost  £12,000  in  December; 
and,  as  I  understood  him,  was  bankrupt  in  January  ;  during  two  of 
those  months  his  wife  kept  her  bed  !  If  we  only  looked  at  the  sorrows 
and  sufferings  around  us,  how  soon  we  should  learn  that  lesson  of  our 
life — ''to  bear.^^  But  we  are  too  selfish,  too  vain,  too  ungrateful! 
I  was  deeply  sorry  for  him.  He  was  so  very  kind ;  and  I  remember 
my  family  among  my  earliest  recollections  here.  Poor  fellow  1  I  am 
grieved  at  the  very  heart  for  him.  He  walked  with  me  to  the 
theatre,  where  we  parted.     I  tried  to  act  Richelieu  well,  and  did  my 

best  with  a  company  and  a  Mr.  C that  would  paralyze  a  Hercules. 

The  house  was  enormous ;  I  went  forward  to  a  call  that  I  could  not 
evade,  but  reluctantly.  I  have  not  had  time  to  think  before  of  my 
early  days  here.  As  I  returned  to  my  hotel,  I  looked  for  the  house 
where  I  passed  many  days  of  my  boyhood.  It  was  the  last  house 
in  whicli  I  saw  my  blessed  mother  alive ;  I  received  her  last  kiss  there, 
to  return  it  on  her  marble  forehead,  as  she  lay  in  her  coffin  (tiie  blessed 
132 


I 


FRANCES    MAKIA    KELLY 

From  an  enoraving  of  a  painting  by  S.  DruviMond,  A.R.A. 


. 


1841]  THE  DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

woman)  in  Norfolk  Sireet,  Sheffiolcl.  Good  God!  for  what  are  we 
here?  The  years  of  passion,  of  suffering,  that  have  passed;  the 
unsatisfactory  sum  of  all  they  have  produced  ;  the  dissatisfaction  that 
remains,  urge  on  the  question — How  much  of  chance  is  there  in  life  ? 
Yet  how  much  more  is  there  in  conduct  than  in  fortune !  Of  that  I 
am  sure,  and  I  only  quarrel  with  my  imperfect  education,  and  the 
painful  consequences  of  a  faulty  example.  Tavo  doors  from  where  I 
now  am  is  the  house  in  which  as  a  child,  a  boy  of  nine  years  old,  and 
I  remember  it  well,  I  first  felt  a  preference  for  one  of  the  other  sex — 
a  girl,  whom  I  afterwards  passionately,  desperately  loved,  vain,  false, 
and  coquettish  as  I  knew  her  to  be ;  now  I  feel  as  indifferent  to  her 
as  to  any  being  in  existence.  How  strange  is  all  this  I  I  should  have 
married  her  if  she  had  encouraged  me  in  the  idea ;  but  she  had  no 
heart — at  least  for  me — nor,  it  seems,  for  any  one  else ;  she  is  still 
single. 

Rughy,  April  IHth. — I  went  with  Birch  to  the  old  church  and 
sat  where,  as  a  boy,  I  used  to  say  my  prayers.  I  looked  for  old  faces, 
but  saw  very  few ;  old  things,  but  not  many  persons — Stanley,  the  old 
writing-master.  I  was  shocked  at  the  matter-of-course  way  in  which 
the  service  was  said  and  sung — there  is  no  religion  there.  The  sermon 
was  still  worse,  and  made  me  quite  impatient.  And  by  such  religion  as 
this  anti-Christian  Church  of  England  and  such  teachers  of  it  men  are 
to  be  kept  from  the  knowledge  of  the  Great  and  Universal  Parent — the 
common  Author  of  all  good,  and  made  to  worship  an  idol,  as  limited 
in  his  protection  and  care  as  any  of  the  Chinese,  Thibetan,  or  negro 
worship.  I  said  my  own  prayers,  but  with  no  sympathy  with  the 
tradesman  in  the  reading  desk  and  pulpit.  We  talked  over  the  school- 
days, and  the  fates  of  various  men  who  were  at  school  with  me.  We 
parted.  Birch  kissed  me,  and  was  affected.  Nature  would  whisper 
to  him,  as  it  did  to  me  in  meeting — God  knows  if  we  may  ever  meet 
in  this  world  again !  He  has  been  to  me  the  friend  of  my  life,  my 
relation,  my  tutor,  my  benefactor.  God  bless  him.  Posted  back 
to  Birmingham  with  all  speed,  every  house  almost  along  the  road 
familiar  to  me — Bilton,  where  I  could  not  repress  a  smile  at  the 
recollection  of  my  boyish  impudence.  Arrived  in  good  time  in 
Birmingham. 

London,  May  Srd. — Acted  Evelyn  fairly,  and  was  called  for  and  well 
received.  A  gentleman  sent  me  a  snuff-box,  a  very  pretty  one,  from 
the  boxes  as  a  token  of  his  admiration.  Miss  Horton  spoke  to  me 
about  her  engagement   and   wished   to  obtain   a   salary   from  me.      I 

^33 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

would   i;ive  no  promise,   would  not  compete  with   Mr.    Wehsler,   and 
left  her  to  do  what  she  pleased. 

May  4'th. — Rested,  feeling  particularly  unwell.  Acted  under  indis- 
position as  well  as  I  could.  Some  parts  redeemed  the  rest,  but  my 
Art  must  stand  first  in  my  endeavours.  If  I  raise  one  part  of  the 
character  of  the  drama  at  the  expense  of  my  individual  superiority 
what  good  do  I  really  do  ?  I  must  be  industrious,  and  to  be  so  I  must 
he  abstinent.  Was  called  for  and  well  received  by  the  audience. 
Requested  Willmott  to  ask  Mr.  Webster  what  nights  I  played  next 
week.  He  '"did  not  know."  On  a  second  application  as  to  whether 
I  played  next  Tuesday,  he  could  not  tell — as  Willmott  observed — he 
icill  not. 

May  5th. — Catherine  put  on  a  half-mourning  dress  to-day !  it  made 
me  sadder  than  the  deepest  black  could  have  done :  my  heart  was 
quite  sunk  in  thinking  that  it  seemed  like  beginning  to  take  leave  of 
sorrow  for  and  association  with  the  memory  of  my  blessed  Joan,  )et 
in  my  heart  of  hearts  that  sweet,  angelic  child  lives.  I  cannot  feel 
that  she  is  not.  Obtained  Mademoiselle  Rachel's  address  and  called 
on  her  after  rehearsal.  Saw  first  some  male  attaches,  and  afterwards 
herself  and  mother.  She  is  a  very  engaging,  graceful  little  person, 
anything  but  plain  in  person,  delicate  and  most  intelligent  features, 
a  frank,  a  French  manner,  synonymous  to  pleasing.  I  talked  with 
her  some  little  time ;  invited  her  to  dine  on  Sunday,  which  she 
accepted ;  asked  her  if  she  would  visit  the  theatre,  which  she  wished 
to  do.  I  went  to  Sams  and  purchased  the  card  for  Mr.  Morriss's 
box,  which  I  took  to  the  theatre,  and  sent  to  her.  Returning  home 
made  arrangements  for  Sunday.  Wrote  to  her,  to  Rogers,  Mrs. 
Norton,  and  Cockerell.  I  had  spoken  to  Miss  Horton  at  the  theatre, 
who  evidently  wished  to  be  very  grateful  in  going  with  me  to  Drury 
Lane,  if  I  could  give  her,  with  the  advantages  she  would  have  there, 
as  good  a  salary  as  she  could  get  elsewhere.  I  did  not  choose  to  do 
that,  and  left  her  to  Mr.  Webster.  Acted  Werner  in  many  particulars 
very  well — taking  great  pains,  was  called  for  and  well  received.  Forster 
called  and  saw  Webster,  who  icoidd  not  tell  him  my  nights  of  perform- 
ance next  week. 

May  6tli. — Went  to  the  theatre  ;  received  a  note  from  Serle,  in- 
forming me  that  Miss  Kelly's  friend,  Mr.  J.  H.  Reynolds,  would  not 
consent  to  her  acceptance  of  an  engagement  for  the  Old  Women — 
ergo ;  Miss  Kelly  does  not  come  to  Drury  I^ane.  A  piteous  note 
from  Mrs.  H.  Wallack — once  Miss  Turpin,  alas! 
134 


1841]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

May  8th. — Read  in  the  newspaper  the  death  of  Barnes,  editor  of 
the  Times.  It  was  a  sort  of  surprise  to  me,  but  an  event  that  I  heard 
of  with  indifference.  Perhaps  of  the  men  who  were  never  acquainted 
with  me  none  ever  did  me  so  much  injury,  or  willed  to  do  me  so  much 
as  this  man,  but  all  strife  is  now  at  rest ;  he  and  Mr.  Bacon — active 
agents  in  mischief,  and  wanton  inflicters  of  mental  torture — are  gone 
where  we  all  must  soon  follow. 

May  9th. — "Walked  out  and  called  on  Lord  Beaumont,  on  Mrs. 
Pierce  Butler ;  sat  and  chatted  for  some  time.  Returning,  overtook 
Hayward,  with  whom  I  walked  some  way.  Coming  in,  dressed  and 
read  in  Courier,  Balzac,  and  Sevign^ — laughing  at  whiles — to  accustom 
myself  to  thoughts  in  French.  Madame  and  IMademoiselle  Rachel, 
Colonel  and  Mrs.  Gurwood,  Mrs.  Norton,  Eastlake,  Young,  T.  Camp- 
bell, Kenney,  Dr.  Elliotson,  and  Quin  came  to  dinner.  A  very  pleasant 
and  cheerful  day  we  had.  Campbell  ^  was  inclining  to  grow  tiresome 
and  intolerable;  it  seems  he  said  to  Letitia  :  "I  think  your  brother 
might  have  placed  me  next  to  Mademoiselle  Rachel.  Who  is  that?  " 
"Dr.  Quin."  "And  who  is  Dr.  Quin — what  is  he?"  etc.  This, 
though  loud,  was  unheard,  or  unmarked  by  those  at  table.  What  a 
sad  sight  for  the  author  of  Gertrude  of  Wyoming  I  He  will  soon  go 
altogether !  I  was— indeed,  all  were — delighted  with  Rachel ;  her 
extreme  simplicity,  her  ingenuousness,  earnestness,  and  the  intellectual 
variation  of  her  sweet  and  classic  features.  There  was  but  one  feeling 
of  admiration  and  delight  through  the  whole  party  at  and  after  dinner. 
Mrs.  Jameson,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Swinfen  Jervis,  the  Sheils,  W^yse, 
Mr.  Curran,  Troughton,  Babbage,  Fitzgerald,  Boxall,  Miss  Faucit, 
Hetta,  Horace  Twisses,  Lovers,  Forster,  Fred  White,  Mrs.  Procter, 
Edward  Kater,  Travers,  came  in  the  evening.  All  was  cheerful 
and  animated.  Dear  Rachel  seemed  very  happy  and  very  loth  to  go 
away.  She  left  with  Mrs.  Procter.  Bless  her !  I  wish  her  all 
success. 

May  IWi. — Rogers  called  and  told  us  of  the  pleasant  day  he  had 
heard  of  here  on  Sunday.  I  consulted  him  about  the  Drury  Lane 
prices ;  he  recommended  me  to  obey  the  dictates  of  my  feelings,  observ- 
ing that  he  found  generally  one  grain  of  feeling  was  worth  a  pound 
of  reason.  He  was  very  agreeable.  Thought  of  what  I  ought  to  say 
at  the  Literary  Fund  dinner.  My  thoughts  were  not  obedient  to  my 
summons.  I  could  arrange  nothing.  I  was  in  despair.  Dickens  called 
for  me ;  he  told  me  of  the  wonder  of  this  bo}',  under  the  effect   of 

^  The  poet. 

^3S 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

magnetism,  producing  such  wonderful  effects.  Dined  at  the  Free- 
masons' Tavern,  Lord  Ripon  ^  in  the  Chair.  Lord  Colborne,  Sir  C. 
Napier,^  Sir  S.  Canning,^  M.  Milnes,  Amyot,  K.  Macaulay,  Barham, 
Brockcdon,  etc.,  were  there.  The  speeches  were  mostly  good,  except- 
ing Croly's  ^ — oh  !  and  mine — oh  !  I  alluded  to  Government  giving 
our  theatre  to  persons  like  Morris,  Forbes,  etc.,  without  mentioning 
names,  and  related  the  anecdote  of  Gisippus. 

May  15th. — Miss  Faucit  came  in.  I  told  her  not  on  any  account 
to  give  up  her  engagement  with  Mr.  Webster.  She  said  she  would 
not,  if  she  could  help  it!  She  asked  me  if  I  would  not  "give"  her 
"  the  same  terms  "  she  has  at  the  Haymarket,  which  she  was  "  obliged 
to  ask."     I  was  obliged  to  say  t/f.s. 

DuhJin,  May  ^Oth. — Our  houses  are  indifferent.  After  an  absence 
of  four  years — during  which  crowded  houses  have  attended  the  per- 
formances of  Mr.  C.  Kean — it  is  rather  hard  to  hear  persons  place  my 
performance  of  Othello  above  Kean's — (which  I  do  not) — and  act  it  to 
£60!  Calcraft  came  into  my  room.  I  saw  a  newspaper  this  morn- 
ing, and  one  was  sent  to  me  this  evening — the  stupid  fools !  to  call 
themselves  critics !     It  is  something  to  account  for  the  houses ! 

May  Tlth. — Went  to  the  Fortescues'  ^  at  the  Castle,  and  lunched 
with  them.  Saw  the  state-rooms,  as  they  are  called,  and  St.  Patrick's 
Hall,  also  the  Castle  Chapel,  and  these  are  the  externals  of  the  Majesty 
of  this  country,  a  jest  indeed,  and,  as  Byron  says,  "a  melancholy 
jest  "  !  The  rooms  do  not  strike  me  as  comparable  to  those  in  the 
Exchange  at  Liverpool. 

June  1th. — Mr.  James  Martineau  ®  called,  and  I  talked  with  him 
apart  for  a  few  minutes ;  he  told  me  that  dear  Miss  Martineau  was 
worse,   and  from  his  account  I  fear  she  is  sinking.     Her  spirits  are 

'  Frederick  John  Robinson  (1782-1859);  first  Earl  of  Ripon,  better  known  as  "Pros- 
perity" Robinson,  a  sobriquet  occasioned  by  his  optimism  when  Chancellor  of  the  Exchequer 
duriniT  a  period  of  great  commercial  stress.  As  Viscount  Goderich  he  succeeded  Canning 
in  the  Premiership,  which  he  resigned  after  a  few  months  without  meeting  Parliament.  He 
afterwards  held  office  under  the  Whigs,  then  returned  to  the  Tories,  under  Sir  Robert  Peel, 
in  whose  Ministry  he  filled  more  than  one  unimportant  post. 

*  Probably  Sir  Charies  James  Napier  (1782-1853),  the  conqueror  of  Scinde. 

»  Stratford  Canning  (1786-1880) ;  afterwards  Viscount  Stratford  de  Redcliffe,  the  famous 
diplomatist,  known  as  the  "  Great  Elchi." 

*  George  Croly  (1780- 1860) ;  preacher,  author,  and  critic. 

*  Lord  Ebrington,  afterwards  EaH  Fortescue,  was  then  Lord  Lieutenant. 

'  James  Martineau  (1805-1900) ;  the  distinguished  philosopher  and  Unitarian  pastor  ;  his 
apprehenMon^  as  to  his  sister  were  happily  not  realized,  her  life  being  prolonged  for  another 
thirty-five  years. 

■36 


1841]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

low,  and  she  is  losing  her  appetite.  God  bless  her.  She  will  not 
leave  many  so  good  behind  her. 

June  30f/t. — Walked  out  with  Willie  and  heard  the  news  that  Lord 
John  Russell  was  thrown  out  for  the  City !  ^  This,  I  think,  is  the 
virtual  ejection  of  the  Ministry  ;  I  felt  more  than  half  sorry  in  hearing 
it.  I  regret  the  retardation  of  those  measures  which  to  be  of  any 
real  service  should  be  promptly  effected,  though  I  cannot  think  they 
ever  would  have  been  propounded  by  the  Whigs  except  to  keep  their 
places.     A  base  motive  for  an  act  of  justice ! 

July  2nd. — The  news  of  Bulwer's  being  unseated  for  Lincoln — 
where  that  foolish  man.  Colonel  Sibthorp  (!)  is  elected  as  a  legislator 
— grieved  me  very  much.  Captain  Polhill  (!!!)  is  also  re-elected  by 
the  town  of  Bedford — these  are  agricultural  towns ! 

London,  July  5th. — After  dinner  went  to  the  Opera  House.  Read 
in  Corneille's  Cinna  the  scenes  of  Emilie.  Watched  with  intense 
eagerness  the  performance  of  the  part  by  Rachel.  I  must  confess  I 
was  disappointed  ;  she  has  undoubtedly  genius ;  grace  in  a  high  degree, 
and  perfect  self-possession.  But  she  disappointed  me;  she  has  no 
tenderness,  nor  has  she  grandeur.  She  did  not  dilate  with  passion  ; 
the  appeal  to  the  gods  was  not  that  grand  swell  of  passion  that  lifts 
her  up  above  the  things  (too  little  for  its  communion)  of  earth  to  the 
only  powers  capable  of  sympathizing  with  her.  She  did  not  seem  to 
commune  with  the  Manes  of  her  father.  Her  apostrophe  to  the  liberty 
of  Rome  was  not  ''up  to  the  height  of  the  great  argument."  She 
was  stinging,  scornful,  passionate,  but  little  in  her  familiar  descents, 
and  wanting  in  the  terrible  struggle,  the  life  and  death  conflict, 
between  her  love  and  her  revenge.  The  "  sharp  convulsive  pangs  of 
agonizing  pride  *'  and  fondness  were  not  felt.  She  is  not  equal  to  Mars 
or  Miss  O'Neill,  but  she  is  the  first  actress  of  her  day. 

July  11th. — Walked  down  to  H.  Smith's  to  dinner.  Forster  was 
there.  After  dinner  he  told  me  of  a  nasty  paragraph  in  the  Observer, 
in  which  allusion  was  distinctly  made  to  differences  between  myself 
and  Mr.  Webster — that  he  had  sent  me  a  message  by  a  military  man, 
and  that  I  had  withdrawn  the  expressions  objected  to.  I  was,  as 
usual,  annoyed  at  this,  and  we  discussed  the  propriety  of  contradicting 
it.  When  we  went  up-stairs  Forster  and  H.  Smith  drew  out  contra- 
dictions for  the  daily  papers  or  the  Observer.  In  other  respects  I 
passed  a  very  pleasant  day. 

^  A  mistake  ;  he  was  returned  last  on  the  poll.     The  Whig  Government  did  not  resign 
till  August  28. 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

Juhi  V2l}i. — Looked  with  some  anxiety  to  the  papers  as  they  were 
hrought  in,  to  see  if  the  obnoxious  paragraph  in  the  Obsei-ver  had 
been  copied  into  any  of  them  ;  it  had  not,  which  was  a  satisfaction  to 
me.  I  altered  the  note  of  contradiction  again,  removing  the  expres- 
sion '*  false  "  (ichich  docs  not  prove  anything  more)  and  confining 
myself  to  a  simple  contradiction,  which  ought  to  be  enough  for  any 
gentleman. 

July  ISth. — On  this  day  my  blessed  Joan  would  have  been  four 
years  old.  JMy  heart  blesses  her,  and  yearns  towards  her,  and  feels  as  if 
it  was  to  renew  its  communion  with  the  sweet  child.  Oh,  that  I  could 
see  her  in  all  her  lovely  cheerfulness  1  But  my  birthday  greeting  to 
her  sweet  spirit  is,  *'  Beloved,  hail  and  farewell !  Sweet  sorrow  of  my 
heart!  Dearest  child,  farewell  1  "  Gave  dear  Catherine  a  locket  with 
our  sweet  child's  hair. 

July  IGth. — We  went  to  the  Opera  House,  to  see  Rachel  in  Horace. 
]\Iy  opinion  of  her  was  very  greatly  raised.  If  I  might  apply  a  term 
of  distinction  to  the  French  acting,  I  should  say  it  is  sculpturesque 
in  its  effect ;  it  resembles  figures  in  relief,  no  background,  and  almost 
all  in  single  figures,  scarcely  any  grouping,  no  grand  composition  : 
this  sort  of  individual  effect  may  be  good  for  the  artist,  but  not  for 
the  illusion  of  a  play.  With  the  drawback  consequent  on  this  national 
peculiarity,  Rachel  in  Camille  was  generally  admirable.  She  stood 
alone,  her  back  turned  to  her  lover  or  brother,  as  it  might  happen, 
but  her  feeling  was  almost  always  true.  In  a  grand  opportunity, 
"  Courage  1  ils  s'amollissent  " — I  thought  her  deficient.  But  in  the 
last  scene  she  was  all  that  a  representation  of  the  part  could  be.  It 
was  a  splendid  picture  of  frenzied  despair. 

July  11th. — Willmott  came  into  my  room.  He  talked  of  the  state 
of  the  theatre,  told  me  that  it  was  not  an  uncommon  thing  for  Mr. 
C.  Kean  to  be  hissed,  that  in  Shylock  the  disapprobation  was  very  loud 
and  unmingled  with  any  applause.     I  did  not  suppose  this. 

July  ISth. — Reading  the  Examiner,  was  affected  by  Lord  Mor- 
peth's ^  speech  to  the  electors  of  West  Riding.  I  honour,  respect, 
and  esteem  that  man,  although,  as  I  believe,  he  would  do  a  little,  if 
in  his  power,  to  give  advantages  over  me;  but  he  is  not  less  amiable 

*  George  William  Frederick  Howard  (1802-1864)  ;  Viscount  Morpeth,  afterwards  sixth 
Earl  of  Carlisle  ;  at  that  time  Chief  Secretary  for  Ireland  and  a  member  of  Lord  Mel- 
bourne's Cabinet.  High-minded,  enlightened,  and  humane,  if  less  able  than  some  of  his 
colleagues,  he  was  probably  the  more  popular  and  respected  of  the  Whig  statesmen  of  that 
period. 


1841]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

for  that.  Walked  out,  and  called  at  Rogers's;  found  that  Rachel  had 
gone  this  morning. 

July  21sf . — I  thought  my  poor  watchmaker  seemed  very  much  con- 
fused, and  I  attributed  it  to  two  prints  of  Mr.  C.  Kean  hung  up  in  his 
parlour.     I  was  amused  in  thinking  so. 

July  22nd. — Looked  at  paper;  read  Lord  John  Russell's  letter  to 
citizens  of  London — too  late — too  late !  Called  at  Fonblanque's,  I 
was  let  in,  but  he  was  afterwards  denied  to  me.     These  things  would 

have  offended  me  once,  but  now .     Acted  Evelyn  very  well.     Lady 

Essex  was  in  the  stage-box,  and  I  had  the  feeling  of  old  times  over 
me,  that  she  should  not  see  me  to  disadvantage.  Spoke  to  Willmott 
about  Saturday's  play.  He  brought  me  a  list  from  Mr.  Webster, 
out  of  which  I  said  I  should  not  object  to  Venice  Preserved,  Fatal 
Dowry,  Measure  for  Measure,  and  Gaveston.  He  told  me  that  Mr. 
C.  Kean  wanted  him  to  try  to  make  out  my  adaptation  of  King 
Lear  for  him — that  Willmott  told  him  he  could  not,  and  if  he  could 
he  did  not  think  he  should  be  justified  in  doing  it. 

July  25t/i. — Read  the  newspaper ;  thought  Fonblanque's  tone  and 
language  on  Sir  Robert  Peel  not  that  of  a  high-minded  adversary  or 
dissentient — not  of  a  man  strong  in  the  consciousness  of  truth,  but 
splenetic  and  malicious.     I  was  sorry  to  see  it. 

July  SOth. — Prepared  for  our  long-promised  expedition  ;  Stanfields 
came  to  accompany  us ;  we  set  out  together,  calling  for  Mrs.  Dickens. 
Went  to  Belvedere.  Arrived  there,  found  the  other  carriage  with 
Dickens,  Forster,  Maclise,  and  Cattermole.  Viewed  the  house  and 
grounds  of  Belvedere ;  the  thought  of  my  blessed  child  came  across 
me  when  alone.  Blessings  on  her  sweet  spirit !  Leaving  Belvedere, 
we  lunched  at  the  small  inn  and  returned  to  Greenwich,  where  we  saw 
the  hospital,  and  meeting  Drs.  Elliotson  and  Quin,  and  Mr.  Roberts, 
w^e  dined  at  the  Trafalgar.  Amused  at  the  sight  of  the  Nassau  balloon, 
which  came  very  near  us — with  the  boys  putting  their  heads  in  the 
mud  for  sixpence  !  I 

August  6th. — Finished  the  play  of  Plighted  Troth — a  play  written 
in  a  quaint  style,  but  possessing  the  rare  qualities  of  intense  passion 
and  happy  imagination.  Forster  called  and  dined ;  I  read  to  him 
several  scenes  from  Plighted  Troth,  with  which  he  was  greatly  struck. 

He  took  away  the  MS.  to  read.     A  note  and  IMS.  from  C.  J.  M . 

Wrote  to  Rev.  C.  F.  Darley,  author  of  Plighted  Troth.  Occupied 
in  looking  into  History  of  England  for  Bulwer's  subject.  ...  A 
suspicion  has  arisen  in  my  mind  from  some  data  that  the  subject  of 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

Gisippus  has  been  suggested  to  and  used  by  Mr.  Knowles  for  his 
forthcoming  i)lay. 

August  8th. — Considered  for  more  than  an  hour  the  subject  of 
Sir  Robert  \Valpole  as  one  for  Bulwer's  pen.  Rev.  C.  F.  Darley 
called;  we  talked  over  the  play  of  Plighted  Troth.  He  expressed 
himself  happy  and  obliged  by  my  opinion,  and  declared  himself  the 
brother  of  the  Darley!  ^  He  left  me  carte-hlanche  with  regard  to  the 
play.  Wrote  to  Younge  about  the  copyist.  Resumed  my  search  in 
History  of  England  for  matter  for  Bulwer.  Forster  came  to  dinner 
and  was  very  agreeable,  sensible,  cheerful,  and  truly  pleasing.  We 
walked  after  dinner  in  the  Park — Botanic  Gardens  and  Park  Square 
Gardens. 

August  lOtli. — We  walked  with  Nina  in  the  Botanic  Gardens. 
Calcraft  followed  us  there,  and  came  to  inform  me  that  all  his  views 
had  failed — as  had  Mr.  Webster's — that  Knowles  had  not  finished 
his  play !  that  Miss  E.  Tree  had  refused  her  part !  and  that  it  was  not 
certain  Mr.  C.  Kean  would  accept  his ;  the  only  certain  thing  was  that 
Knowles  had  received  money ! 

August  ISth. — Letter  from  Darley,  and  from  tlie  lady  who  calls 
herself  Mrs.  St.  Aubyn,  wishing  to  see  me  this  evening ;  I  might 
gratify  my  curiosity  if  without  trouble,  but  voila  tout!  I  answered 
her — in  the  hope  that  I  may  shake  her  off. 

August  14>th. — Acted  Evelyn  fairly;  called  for,  but  not  in  time 
to  go  on.  Met  a  very  beautiful  woman  in  Portman  Square,  who  had 
written  to  me  as  Mrs.  St.  Aubyn.     I  found  it  was  an  assumed  name 

and  that  she  was  the  mistress  of  a  Lord  .     I  had  thought  she  had 

been  connected  with  the  St.  Aubyns.     Addio,  mia  heUa! 

August  llth. — Dr.  Kuenzel,  Z.  IVoughton,  Maurice  Power,  and 
Forster  with  T.  Landseer  came  to  dinner.  A  cheerful  day ;  in  the 
evening  a  long  discussion  with  T.  Landseer  on  his  plan  of  the  Animal 
Diorama.  Notes  from  Ransom  and  Mrs.  St.  Aubyn,  which  I  answered 
to  see  her  to-morrow  for  the  last  time. 

August  ISth. — Heard  that  Knowlcs's  play  was  withdrawn  and  the 
workmen  put  off!  Forster,  who  came  into  my  room,  mentioned  a 
report  that  C.  Kean  had  refused  his  part  I  This  is  very  probable. 
A  man  without  information  or  imagination  (a  man  who  could  reject 
Gisippus — par  exemple!)  would  not  see  the  scope  of  a  character — it  is 
quite  in  reason.  Went  to  keep  my  appointment  with  Mrs.  St.  Aubyn, 
to  tell  her  that  I  could  not  see  her  again.     She  begged  very  hard  that 

^  George  Darley  (1795-1846) ;  author  and  mathematician. 
140 


1841]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

I  would,  told  me  part  of  her  story — of  course  a  sad  one — that  she 

had  been  promised  marriage  and  seduced  by  a  Mr.  ,  a  barrister ; 

that  she  was  not  the  particular  mistress  of  Lord  ;  in  fact,  that 

her  mysterious  carriage  with  me  was  to  keep  her  partiality  from  the 
knowledge  of  Mr.  C.  Kean,  who  was  "  very  kind  "  to  her.  I  was 
amused.    She  wished  to  make  me  promise  to  see  her  again — I  avoided  it. 

August  23rJ. — Mrs.  St.  Aubyn,  with  a  gentleman,  occupied  the 
stage  private-box.  She  is  very  beautiful.  I  inquired  who  she  was, 
and  it  seems  she  had  been  noticed  as  constant  in  her  attendance  on 
C.  Kean's  performances. 

August  ^6th. — Saw  the  announcement  of  the  death  of  Theodore 
Hook — a  man  I  did  not  like,  always  hostilely  placed  to  my  interests, 
and  one  who,  by  a  most  insidious  and  malignant  falsehood,  dealt  me  an 
injury  the  effects  of  which  I  have  scarcely  yet  recovered.  As  I  found 
him,  so  I  speak  of  him.  I  thought  him  very  vulgar  in  his  manner, 
and  a  man  whom  I  could  not  admire,  esteem,  like — scarcely  tolerate. 
He  may  have  had  good  qualities,  only  what  was  ill  in  him  was  known 
to  me ;  I  did  not  lament  him.     He  had  become  indifferent  to  me. 

August  ^8th. — Proceeded  to  the  Thatched  House  for  the  meeting 
to  show  respect  to  Wilkie,  where  I  was  a  stranger  to  the  committee 
assembled  and  assembling  until  the  arrival  of  Jerdan,  Dickens,  etc. 
Sir  James  McGregor  ^  spoke  to  me  about  Edward,  but  I  did  not 
know  who  he  was.  Lord  Mahon,^  very  like  a  little  terrier  pup,  was 
fussing  about  the  uncertainty  and  hope  of  Sir  R.  Peel's  attendance, 
his  presence  at  the  House  of  Commons,  the  ''division,"  etc.  All 
was  fuss.  I  looked  on,  and  was  amused.  In  the  larger  committee- 
room,  to  which  we  adjourned  for  the  business,  we  mustered  largely ; 
the  resolutions  were  discussed.  Dickens  objected  to  some — I  to  one, 
which  was  altered  without  opposition ;  it  amused  me  to  see  the  lick- 
spittle character  of  the  whole  proceedings,  but  I  v/as  disgusted  with  the 
servile,  crouching  attitude  which  the  leading  artists  took,  and  I  broke 
out,  complimentarily  rebuTcing  Sir  A.  Callcott  ^  for  so  undervaluing 
the  position  of  his  art — declining  to  move  a  resolution  on  the  ground 
that  it  might  have  been  presuming  in  him  as  an  artist  to  stand  for- 
ward. I  told  him,  rather  excited,  that  I  thought  the  leading  artists 
were  the  proper  movers  of  such  resolutions,  and  that  the  name  of  one 

1  Probably  Sir  James  McGregor,  Bart.  (1771-1858)  ;  chief  of  the  Army  Medical  Staff  in 
the  Peninsular  campaign,  and  afterwards  Director-General  of  the  Army  Medical  Deparlment 
for  nearly  forty  years. 

*  Afterwards  fifth  Earl  Stanhope  {1805-1875) ;   the  eminent  historian. 

3  Sir  Augustus  Wall  Callcott,  R.A.  (i 779-1 844) ;  originally  a  chorister-boy. 

141 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

like  himself  or  Mr.  Phillips  would  influence  me  far  more  than  any 
consideration  of  rank,  as  I  should  be  certain  in  following  such  an 
authority  I  could  not  err  in  judgment  nor  be  committed  on  a  point 
of  taste.  D'Orsay  came  in  and  chatted  a  good  deal.  I  was  intro- 
duced to  Leslie,  introduced  myself  to  Collins,  11. A.,  but  was  shocl'cd 
at  the  submissive  incnial-\ike  tone  he  assumed — not  supposing  '  I 
should  (I  think)  condescend  to  recollect  him  '  1  The  fuss  with  the 
Duke  of  Sutherland,  Peel,  etc.,  while  little  Lord  J.  Russell  was  hardly 
noticed  in  the  committee-room.  We  proceeded  to  the  great  room, 
which  was  very  full,  and  after  some  interruption  from  an  ambitious 
speaker,  who  opposed  Peel's  occupation  of  the  Chair,  but  was  soon  set 
aside,  the  business  of  the  day  proceeded.  Peel  spoke  in  a  most  hum- 
drum-ti-tum  artificial  manner  without  a  single  approach  to  an  idea  in 
all  the  words  he  spoke.  The  Duke  of  Sutherland  much  about  the 
same.  There  was  great  applause  when  Lord  John  Russell  stood  for- 
ward, which  evidently  very  much  disconcerted  Peel ;  but  he  did  not 
speak  well.  Chantrey  was  with  us,  Maclise,  Dickens,  Forster,  and  self. 
We  went  out  after  Lord  John's  speech,  and  he  followed  us  and  passed 
us  on  the  stair.  Dickens  asked  me,  '*Did  you  ever  hear  such  miser- 
able commonplace — such  a  mere  set  of  words  without  one  idea?  "  I 
certainlj'  never  did. 

September  9th. — Miss  P.  Llorton  called,  and  I  went  over  part  of 
Virginia  with  her.  She  shocked  me  by  repeating  an  expression  of 
Webster,  which  she  said  he  applied  to  me.  Acted  \'irginius  very 
unevenly,  some  passages — a  few,  very  grandly — others  very  poorly. 
Called  for  and  well  received.  Mrs.  St.  Aubyn  was  in  the  stage-box — 
very  attentive !  Spoke  to  Miss  Horton  about  what  she  repeated  to 
me  to-day,  told  her  never  to  do  so  again.  I  was  very  angry  during 
the  play,  and  vainly  tried  to  recover  myself.     Bad  I 

September  12th. — I  cannot  help  remarking  upon  the  apparently 
indomitable  bad  taste  which  Forster  continually  exhibits  in  laying 
down  his  opinions  (and  upon  subjects  of  which  he,  clever  as  he  is, 
knows  nothing)  as  if  it  were  law.  Among  his  violent  declamatory 
effusions  was  one  to-night,  that  Cicero  never  touched  anything  that 
he  did  not  depreciate  I 

September  liUli. — Acted  Virginius  fairly;  was  called  for  and  well 
received.  The  same  audience  called  for  Mr.  AVallack !  1  Poole 
called,  and  in  the  course  of  conversation  alluded  to  some  persons 
talking  of  myself  and  Mr.  C,  Kean  as  actors !  1  I  Now  really,  it  is 
almost  an  excuse  for  expatriation,  for  anything  in  the  shape  of  escape 
142 


1841]  THE   DIARIES    OF    MACREADY 

short  of  suicide,  to  think  that  one  has  lived  and  had  a  mind  and  used 
it  for  so  many  years  to  be  mentioned  at  last  in  the  same  breath  with 
Mr.  C.  Kean  1     Particularly  offensive  ! 

September  14:th. — Went  to  Covent  Garden  theatre  to  see  London 
Assurance — a  pert,  smart  trifle  in  five  acts — beautifully  set  upon  the 
stage,  and  in  the  parts  of  Mathews  and  Mrs.  Nisbett  extremely  well 
acted ;  in  other  respects  the  acting  was  of  equal  pretension  with  the 
writing — which  is  of  a  low  mark. 

September  llth. — Anderson  met  me  at  the  Liverpool  station,  and 
accompanied  me  to  the  theatre,  where  I  got  some  tea  and  dressed.  I 
acted  Lord  Townley — particularly  the  last  scene — very  well ;  was  called 
for  and  well  received.  I  led  on  Miss  E.  Tree,  who  disappointed  me 
very  much  in  her  performance ;  instead  of  an  exuberance  of  spirits  to 
account  for  and  in  some  respects  to  excuse  her  follies  and  wayward- 
ness, she  was  cool,  sarcastic,  and  insolent,  and  not  in  a  high  tone  of 
breeding ;  it  was  very  bad. 

September  18fh. — Acted  Luke,  I  thought,  fairly;  Mrs.  Stirling 
in  Lady  Traffic  decidedly  bad.  Clarke  came  into  my  room.  Several 
letters  of  application,  and  one  from  Miss  Faucit,  apprising  me  of  her 
recovery,  of  which  I  am  delighted  to  hear. 

September  2^nd. — Received  a  letter  from  Dickens  mentioning  to 
me  his  purpose  of  going  to  the  United  States,  and  asking  my  opinion 
as  to  the  best  course  to  be  pursued  with  regard  to  his  children — 
whether  to  take  them  or  leave  them.  I  answered  him  on  the  instant, 
recommending  him  not  to  take  them  with  him. 

September  23rd. — As  I  was  going  to  bed  Dickens  called  in,  having 
sent  a  note  first,  and  sat  with  me  some  time  canvassing  his  con- 
templated voyage  to  the  United  States.  He  spoke  of  Mrs.  Dickens's 
reluctance  arid  regret,  and  wished  me  to  write  to  her  and  state  my 
views,  putting  them  strongly  before  her.  When  he  was  gone,  I  wrote 
to  her,  enclosing  the  note  to  him. 

September  25th. — Read  the  Acis  and  Galatea  to  Serle,  which  he 
thought  would  succeed  if  Stanfield  painted  the  scenery ! 

September  26f/i. — Engaged  earnestly  on  my  address  on  entering 
upon  Drury  Lane  theatre.  The  Smiths,  Series,  Stanfield,  Maclise,  and 
Forster  came  to  dinner.  Forster  importuned  me  after  dinner  to  read 
Browning's  tragedy,  which  I  did.  He  had  taken  enough  wine,  and 
was  rather  exaggerating  in  his  sensibility  and  praise.  I  was  not 
prepared,  and  could  not  do  justice  to  it  in  reading.  Went  very  late 
to  bed. 

143 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

September  27t/t.— A  very  fervent  and  grateful  letter  from  Mrs. 
Dickens,  in  reply  to  mine,  acquiescing  in  all  I  urged  upon  her.  Letter, 
with  a  triste  rei)ort  of  herself  from  Helen  Faucit ;  one  from  Bulwer. 
Spoke  to  Miss  P.  Horton  about  taking  lessons  in  singing,  which  she 
had  been  thinking  of  doing;  invited  her  to  dine  on  Sunday  week. 
Notes  from  Serle  and  Forster,  enclosing  one  he  had  received  from 
Dickens,  in  great  delight  at  the  efl'ect  of  my  letter  to  his  wife. 

September  ^8th. — Miss  Fortescue  called  and  rehearsed.  I  proposed 
to  her  to  believe  that  I  was  about  to  offer  her  some  outrage  to  excite 
the  last  violence  of  passion  in  her.  Catherine  was  in  the  inner  drawing- 
room.  I  could  only  call  up  gleams,  no  continuance,  but  I  think  it 
will  blaze  forth. 

September  29f/i. — Miss  Fortescue  called  to  her  appointment,  and 
I  gave  three  hour^  to  her,  but  could  not  awaken  the  proper  rush  of 
passion. 

September  SOtJt. — Letter,  full  of  heart,  with  the  returned  address, 
from  Dickens.  Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Went  into  various 
parts  of  the  house.  Met  in  the  committee-room  Talfourd,  Fox, 
H.  Smith,  Kenney,  Forster,  Maclise,  Stanfield,  Brydone,  and  Serle. 
Canvassed  the  address,  which  I  read  to  them — it  was  approved  by  all, 
but  upon  scrutiny  considerably  altered.  Forster  was  most  especially 
and  conspicuously  disagreeable — raising  objections  out  of  mere  humour 
and  caprice  and  not  to  serve  the  cause  or  his  friend.  I  was  not  pleased 
with  him.  W'e  were  full  two  hours  in  arranging  it.  Kenney  rode 
with  me  from  Oxford  Street,  and  volunteered  the  observation  that 
Forster  seemed  to  object  to  passages  from  mere  caprice — he  evidently 
did  not  like  him.  Talked  with  Willmott  on  Drury  Lane  theatre,  etc. 
He  told  me  that  last  night  Mr.  W^ebster  had  come  down  in  a  furious 
state  from  his  box  and  pointed  out  Forster  from  the  side  of  the  curtain, 
calling  him  a  butcher's  boy  and  other  expressions  which  were  abusive. 
The  provocation  was  Forster 's  loud  laughter  at  some  serious  parts  of 
the  play. 

October  IsL — Brydone  informed  me  that  Sloman  objected  to  the 
carpenters  being  paid  by  any  one  but  himself.  I  sent  for  him  and 
told  him  that  he  tiad  full  power  over  his  men,  but  that  I  would  govern 
the  theatre  in  my  own  way,  and  that  every  man  in  the  theatre  should 
be  paid  from  the  treasury.     He  went  away — "safis^ed." 

October  i:lh. — On  this  day  I  enter  upon  the  lease  and  manage- 
ment of  Drury  Lane  theatre.  I  humbly  implore  the  blessing  of 
Almighty  God  upon  my  efforts,  praying  His  gracious  Spirit  may 
144 


1841]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

influence  me  in  adopting  and  carrying  through  all  wise  and  good 
measures  in  a  discreet,  equable,  and  honourable  course,  and  only 
pursuing  such  a  line  of  conduct  as  may  benefit  ray  blessed  children, 
may  be  of  service  to  the  cause  of  good,  and  benevolent  to  those 
dependent  on  me. 

October  6th. — A  Captain  called,  a  ci-devant  jeune  homme — 

a  battered,  broken-down  beau,  to  state  that  his  wife,  a  young  woman, 
not  more  than  twenty  years  old,  was  ambitious,  etc.,  to  go  on  the 
stage;  most  strictly  virtuous,  etc.,  but  would  go  first  in  the  chorus!  !  ! 
I  referred  him  to  T.  Cooke. 

October  8th. — Coming  home — having  ordered  the  driver  to  pass 
on  when  I  stopped  at  Dickens's — found  Forster  had  been  there,  and 
that  Dickens,  who  had  been  very  ill,  wished  to  see  me  after  dinner. 
I  immediately  went  to  him,  and  to  my  great  concern  and  distress  found 
him  in  bed,  having  this  morning  undergone  an  operation.  I  suffered 
agonies,  as  they  related  all  to  me,  and  did  violence  to  myself  in 
keeping  myself  to  my  seat.  I  could  scarcely  bear  it.  My  nerves  are 
threads,  or  wires,  that  tremble  when  touched.  I  sat  with  him  above 
an  hour.     Poor  fellow !     Thank  God  all  is  so  well ! 

October  11th. — Browning  called  and  went  with  me  to  call  on 
Dickens,  who  is  going  on  very  comfortably ;  I  parted  with  Browning 
in  Oxford  Street.  Note  from  Bourne  declining  to  be  my  executor 
and  trustee.  I  am  not  at  all  displeased,  though  I  would  have  done 
as  much  for  him.  But  friends  have  a  right  to  choose  their  own  means 
of  proving  their  affection.  Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  A  note 
from  Mrs.  St.  Aubyn,  giving  me  to  understand  that  she  still  loves 
me!  Note  with  presentation  copies  of  Patrician^s  Daughter  from  Mr. 
Marston.  Read  in  bed  the  tragedy  of  the  Patrician's  Daughter, 
which  seemed  to  me  most  powerful. 

October  16th. — T.  Cooke  and  Mr.  Thomas,  the  Drury  Lane  leader, 
Serle  and  Miss  P.  Horton  called  to  try  over  the  songs  of  Acis. 
Expecting  a  failure,  I  was  most  agreeably  surprised  and  excited  by 
a  very  powerful  and  expressive  performance ;  all  were  alike  struck  by 
it,  and  I  called  up  Catherine  and  Letitia  to  hear  it,  who  were  equally 
moved.  It  promises  admirably.  Went  with  Serle  to  Drury  Lane, 
talking  over  matters  in  hand.  Miss  Fortescue  came,  and  I  sent  Serle 
and  Brydone  into  the  upper  circles  to  judge  of  her  power  of  voice. 
She  rehearsed  the  garden  and  banishment  scenes  of  Juliet,  and  seemed 
quite  to  satisfy  them.  I  went  up  afterwards  and  heard  the  first  part 
of  the  garden  scene,   which  was  perfectly  audible  and  clear  in  tone. 

VOL.  II.  L  145 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

Another  excellent  promise.  God  speed  us!  Amen!  I  gave  her 
directions  and  dismissed  her.  Gave  Brydone  his  cheque  and  to  Serle 
and  himself  their  official  seals. 

October  19th. — Mr.  King,  Maclise,  Macmahon  Hughes,  Stone, 
George  Ward,  and  Forster  came  to  dine.  Forster  made  himself  especially 
disagreeable  by  a  senseless  and  furious  attack  upon  the  Times,  to  which 
Mr.  M.  Hughes  had  belonged — perhaps  does  belong.  He  was  in  his 
worst  taste,  and  peculiarly  rude  and  offensive.  It  is  too  bad.  It  is 
a  subject  of  deep  and  sincere  regret  that  with  so  many  excellent  points 
of  character  he  will  neutralize  those  that  might  be  useful  to  his  friends, 
and  so  often  obscure  those  that  are  agreeable  by  a  display  of  manners 
and  temper  which  is  painful  and  offensive. 

October  25t/i. — Miss  P.  Horton  gave  me  a  note  to  read,  as  she 
believed,  from  Lord  Augustus  Fitzclarence — the  Reverend ;  it  was  a 
declaration  of  love.^  She  supposed  the  bracelet  she  had  received  to 
come  from  the  same  person.  I  counselled  her,  if  she  could  discover 
it,  to  return  it. 

November  6th. — Acted  Spinola  ^  loell  and  with  great  care.  Was 
told  that  I  was  called  for,  but  Mr.  W^allack  and  Miss  H.  Faucit  went 
on !  This  was  not  exactly  comme  il  jaut.  Mrs.  St.  Aubyn  was  in 
the  stage-box. 

November  '7th. — Gave  my  whole  day  to  the  preparation  of  Romeo 
and  Juliet,  of  which  I  finished  three  acts.  It  is  a  work  of  more  labour 
than  I  had  calculated  upon.  Mr.  and  Miss  Emily  Spicer,  Dr.  Quin, 
Knox,  Maclise,  Stanfield,  Z.  Troughton,  came  to  dine,  with  whom  we 
had  a  very  pleasant  day.  W^as  held  a  long  time  in  conversation  with 
Stanfield  and  Maclise  on  the  subject  of  the  illustration  of  Acis  and 
Galatea. 

November  Hth. — Miss  Fortescue  called.  I  gave  her  three  hours' 
lesson,  and  called  in  l.etitia  to  see  her  go  through  the  garden  scene, 
with  which  she  was  very  much  pleased  and  moved. 

^  A  natural  son  of  William  IV  by  Mrs.  Jordan.  He  held  the  living  of  Mapledurham. 
Fanny  Kemble,  in  her  Records  of  a  Girlhood,  relates  a  singular  conversation  with  him  during 
0  dance.  In  accepting  her  reproof  of  his  decidedly  unclerical  language,  he  remarked  :  "  But 
you  see  some  people  have  a  natural  turn  for  religion  ;  you  have,  for  instance,  I  am  sure; 
but  you  see  Iliave  not."  He  then  proceeded  to  ask  her  to  write  a  sermon  for  him,  and  on 
her  telling  him  that  he  ought  to  write  his  own  sermons,  he  replied  :  "  Ves,  but  you  see  I 
can't — not  good  ones  at  least.     I'm  sure  you  could,  and  I  wish  you  would  write  one  for  me. 

-Mrs.  N has."     This  Rev.  Mr.  Foker  was  far  more  familiar  with  the  stage  than  the  pulpit, 

and  made  up  for  the  poverty  of  his  sermons  by  the  eloquence  of  his  billets  doux. 

^  In  Troughton's  drama  of  Nina  Sforza. 
146 


1841]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

November  11th. — Acted  Spinola  very  fairly,  with  much  care,  but 
Mr,  Wallack  tasked  his  ingenuity  to  defeat  my  effects !  Forster  came 
into  my  room  in  his  high  tide  of  disagreeableness  1 

November  ISth. — Anderson  came.  I  gave  him  his  seal,  and  he 
with  Serle  and  Brydone  saw  Miss  Fortescue  rehearse.  She  was  quite 
below  herself — nervous,  hurried,  and  comparatively  ineffective.  1 
regretted  it,  but  it  was  well  to  undergo  the  discipline. 

November  14t/t. — Mrs.  and  Miss  Fortescue,  Serle  and  Troughton 
came  to  dinner.  Miss  Fortescue  is  a  very  sweet  little  girl.  Mrs. 
Fortescue  is  a  counterpart  of  Mrs.  Nickleby. 

November  2,1st. — The  darling  children  were  with  me  in  the  course 
of  the  day.  Daniel,  Dickenses,  Spicer,  Greaves,  and  a  most  intoler- 
able, most  offensive,  disgusting  bore,  a  Dr.  called  on  me.     I 

told  him  I  was  very  much  occupied,  but  he  remained  an  hour,   and 
bawled  so  in  my  ears  that  he  gave  me  a  headache — the  brute ! 

November  24t/i. — Mrs.  Reynolds  called.  She  repeated  an  observa- 
tion which  some  one  had  made  on  seeing  me  act  Spinola — "That  he 
was  sure  I  should  end  my  days  on  a  scaffold  1  "  I  cannot  say  I  think 
it  indicates  much  taste  or  feeling  in  the  critic.  On  my  way  home 
from  the  theatre  my  mind  was  tortured  by  a  rush  of  vindictive  and 
furious  thoughts  that  quite  distressed  me  with  painful  sensations  in 
the  head.  I  fear  I  have  much  more  revenge  in  my  nature  than  I  had 
believed.  I  have  forgiven  many  injuries ;  that  wretched  knave  Bunn 
I  feel  only  scorn  or  indifference  for ;  this  Webster  is  merely  con- 
temptible; but  the  insult  of  that  cowardly  bully  Thesiger  I  cannot 
pass  over,  perhaps  because  he  is  out  of  my  reach. 

November  25th. — My  blessed  Joan  died.  Rose  earlier  than  usual 
in  order  to  visit  the  sad  place  that  contains  the  mouldering  body  of 
my  sweet  infant,  my  beautiful  and  blessed  Joan.  My  thoughts  were 
upon  her,  which  I  did  not  wish  to  communicate  or  betray,  as  I  was 
unwilling  to  shed  any  gloom  about  me.  But  she  was  present  to  me — 
in  her  laughing  joy  and  beauty,  in  the  angelic  sweetness  that  she  wore 
when  lying  dead  before  me.  O  God,  Thy  will  be  done.  She  seems 
dearer  to  me  even  than  these  so  dear  around  me.  That  wound  of 
my  heart  will  never  be  healed.  But  I  shall  meet  her  again,  or  I  shall 
he  of  the  element  with  her.  What  shall  I  be?  And  for  what  are 
we  taught  these  sad  and  bitter  lessons?  I  went  to  the  cemetery,  and 
saw  the  cold  and  narrow  bed  where  she  lies ;  my  heart  poured  out 
its  prayer  by  her  body  for  the  welfare  and  happiness  of  those  spared 
to  me.     I  had  to  wait  the  performance  of  a  funeral  service  before  I 

L2  147 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

could  go  down  into  the  vault.  It  brought  all  back  to  me;  but  what 
words  are  those  to  offer  to  the  heart  of  grief,  or  to  the  reasoning 
mind  ?  God,  the  true  God,  is  all.  His  love  to  us,  and  circulated 
amongst  us,  is  our  onl}-  consolation.  Bless  thee,  my  beloved  babe ; 
often,  often,  when  it  could  be  little  thought,  your  image  is  with  me. 

November  26f/t. — Acted  Sir  Oswin  Mortland  as  well  as  I  could 
under  the  heavy  press  of  business.  Read  the  two  concluding  numbers 
of  Humplirey^s  ClocTi,  which  ends  very  sadly  and  very  sweetly. 
Wonderful  Dickens. 

November  28i/i. — Looked  at  the  newspaper — a  newspaper — one  of 
the  means  of  strengthening  and  extending  fraud  and  injustice  through 
this  wretched  world — a  world  that  few  can  have  known  long  without 
questioning  the  purpose  of  their  mission  here ;  to  endure  without  any 
act  of  their  own  will — and  to  what  end?  I  am  sick  of  it — of  its 
injustice,  and  of  the  accursed  tyranny  which  in  one  form  or  other 
rakes  at  our  hearts,  or  acts  upon  one's  brain,  till  one  fears  for  its 
sanity.  Walked  out  with  children  for  air  to  call  on  Dickens.  Wrote 
a  few  lines  to  him  to  thank  him  for  Barmiby  Riidge.  Began  to  make 
out  the  dresses  of  Merchant  of  Venice.  Proved  the  incorrectness  of 
Mr.  Planche's  costume  of  Pictorial  Shakspeare.  Shameful !  Proved 
by  Vecchio.  Heard  as  a  truth  that  the  Lord  Chamberlain,  Lord 
Delawarr,  had  given  Mr.  W^ebster  an  extension  of  two  months' 
licence !  This  is  really  too  bad !  !  !  It  is  an  attack  upon  one's  means 
that  would  justify  the  last  punishment  that  could  be  inflicted  on  a 
wretch  who  takes  an  ofiice  in  which  justice  is  to  be  administered,  and 
sports  in  idle  and  ignorant  wantonness  with  the  fortunes,  labour,  and 
lives  of  his  fellow-men.  Oh  Humanity!  when  will  thy  day  come? 
When  shall  retribution  pour  down  upon  the  heads  of  these  accursed 
aristocrats?     Be  it  soon  !  !  !  ^ 

December  4f/i. — Bulwer  looked  in,  but  would  not  wait.  Went 
to  Dickens's,  where  I  saw  Landor,  EUiotson,  Quin,  Stanfield,  Maclise. 
The  'J'alfourds  extremely  disagreeable. 

December  5th. — Decided  on  drawing  a  large  sum  from  the  three 
per  cents,  and  doing  tlie  utmost  in  reason  to  perfect  the  theatre. 
Received  a  kind  note  from  Horace  Twiss,  proposing  our  dining  with 
him  on  Saturday,  18th,  to  meet  the  Delanes  of  the  Times.  Mr. 
Graham    calk-rl — talked   witli    him.      Considered    much    the   matter   of 

*  The  extension  of  the  llayniarket  licence   would   possibly  affect   Macready's  opening 

campaign  at  Drury  Lane,  but  it  hardly  justifies  so  intemperate  an  outburst.     His  relations, 

however,  with  Webster  had  become  greatly  strained,  which  largely  accounts  for  it. 

148 


1841]  THE   DIARIES   OF  MACREADY 

the  amiouiice-bill,  and  with  much  thought  made  it  out.  Dined  with 
Talfourds — met  Barron  Field, ^  Stanfield,  Maclise,  Forster,  Ainsworth, 
Browning,  Dr.  Lee,  etc.  A  more  agreeable  day  than  I  had  antici- 
pated. Returning,  marked  the  prompt  book  of  the  Merchant  of 
Venice. 

December  1th. — As  the  last  day  of  my  Haymarket  engagement, 
I  begin  it  with  some  feeling  of  uncertainty  as  to  the  future,  invoking 
and  imploring  the  blessing  of  God  upon  my  endeavours,  and  that  my 
course  of  prosperity  may  be  continued.  Miss  Fortescue  came  and 
continued  her  lessons.  I  am  greatly  interested  in  her  success.  Went 
to  Drury  Lane  theatre,  taking  her  part  of  the  way.  Had  prepared 
notes  of  the  dresses  to  be  done,  and  was  all  day  doing  even  till  past 
six  o'clock,  but  did  not  accomplish  nearly  what  I  desired.  I  had 
ordered,  among  many  others,  a  note  to  be  sent  to  Willmott  request- 
ing him  to  call.  He  answered,  and  soon  after  my  arrival  came.  I 
told  him  that  his  confident  expression  of  the  certainty  of  our  success 
last  night  had  made  me  think  of  asking  him  what  he  could  suggest 
as  a  remuneration — that  I  had  been  reluctant  to  invite  him  from  a 
good  certainty  to  a  doubtful  concern.  He  said  he  was  sure  of  the 
success,  and  if  only  I  said  to  him  "  Come,"  he  should  not  ask  a 
question,  but  leave  all  to  me — that  he  had  got  as  much  before  with  me 
as  he  had  with  Webster.  After  some  talk  I  said,  "  Then  come,''  and 
he  agreed  to  see  Webster  immediately.  He  returned  some  time  after 
to  report  that  after  a  long  and  unmeaning  conversation  Webster  had 
promised  to  give  him  an  answer  to-night.  I  had  a  long  business  in 
casting  the  plays — disarranged  by  the  treachery  of  several  actors ! 
Alns!  Actors!  Made  out  the  announcement-bill  and  advertisement. 
Spoke  to  Smithers.  Went  into  painting-room  ;  only  finished  the  bill 
by  six  o'clock.  Went  to  the  Haymarket  theatre.  Acted  Claude 
Melnotte  with  vigour,  gaiety  and  energy,  inspired  and  animated  by 
the  good  house  and  the  feeling  they  displayed  towards  me — perhaps 
I  never  acted  it  better ;  it  w^as  the  last  time.  Was  called  for  and 
very  enthusiastically  received.  I  bowed  my  adieux.  Quitted  the 
Haymarket  theatre,  praying  God  to  bless  my  labours  where  I  am 
going. 

December  10th. — Reconsidered  the  question  of  acting  the  unim- 
portant parts  of  Harmony  and  Valentine,   and  came  to  the  decision 

^  Presumably  Barron  Field  (1786-1846),  a  friend  of  Lamb  and  his  circle  ;  a  judge  in  New 
South  Wales,  and  afterwards  Chief  Justice  of  Gibraltar  ;  at  one  time  theatrical  critic  to  the 
Times  ;  he  also  edited  various  plays  for  the  Shaksperian  Society. 

149 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

that  everything  should  be  done  to  raise  and  sustain  tlie  character  of 
the  theatre ;  that  my  reputation  could  scarcely  be  affected  in  any  way 
by  the  assumption  of  these  parts,  or,  at  least,  not  injuriously ;  and 
that  it  would  be  a  sad  calculation  to  think  of  propping  my  reputation 
by  the  ruins  of  the  theatre.  I  saw  that  it  was  right  to  do  them. 
Read  Valentine.     Read  Harmony. 

December  14f/i. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre;  attended  to 
business.  I  have  neither  head  nor  spirits  to  enter  into  the  detail  of 
my  day's  labour,  which  began  with  difficulties  and  impediment,  and 
ended  with  them  and  my  efforts  to  extricate  myself  froin  the  perplexing 
strait  in  which  the  Connnittee,  by  their  want  of  strict  faith  and  their 
supineness,  have  placed  me.  Mr.  Beazley  came,  and  took  very  coolly 
the  condition  into  which  his  want  of  correctness  and  attention  has 
helped  to  place  us.  The  curtain  was  not  ready ;  the  trial  of  it 
postponed  till  twelve,  subsequently  to  three,  and  afterwards  to  six — 
wliich  turned  out  to  be  eight.  Business  with  Willmott.  Rehearsed 
the  play  of  Every  One  has  his  Fault.  Business  with  Serle,  who  has 
not  energij  for  the  occasion.  Saw  dear  little  Miss  Fortescue.  It  is 
pleasant  to  see  anything  gentle  and  amiable  in  the  midst  of  this 
feverish  turmoil.  Went  over  the  whole  house — on  business.  I  have 
no  seconds — Willmott  is  the  only  active  officer  in  his  place.  Went 
over  with  Brydone  the  business  that  ought  to  have  been  done.  Read 
some  part  of  Harmony.  Letters.  Wrote  to  Burgess  for  the  lease. 
The  question  of  this  curtain  again  agitated ;  and  we  are  left  at  this 
last  moment  to  do  tvhat  ice  can  for  curtain  and  proscenium  engaged 
for  by  the  proprietors ! 

December  ISth. — Dined  with  Horace  Twiss  to  meet  the  Delanes. 
Sir  G.  Clerk,  Emerson  Tenncnt,  Fitzgeralds,  Hayward,  Mr.  Atkinson 
were  there. 

December  20t/i. — Rehearsed  Two  Gentlemen  of  Verona.  Much 
dissatisfied  with  Miss  Fortescue's  rehearsal — which  will  not  be  up  to 
my  original  expectation.  Note  from  Mr.  Delane  wishing  to  see  me. 
Occupied  earnestly  and  painfully  with  business.  By  the  want  of 
energy  in  my  officers  affairs  are  in  a  dangerous  predicament.  Spoke 
to  Miss  Fortescue  and  rehearsed  a  little  with  her.  Attended  to  the 
business  of  the  free  list.  Business  with  the  wardrobe.  Much  time 
in  the  ladies'  wardrobe,  where  I  find  the  superintendent  utterly 
incompetent.  Left  the  theatre  :n  much  dejection  and  very  unwell  at 
nearly  twelve  o'clock. 

December  ^ith. — Relicarsed  the  Merchant  of  Venice,  with  which 
150 


1841]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

I  was  very  much  pleased.  Dickens  and  Forster  came  to  the  rehearsal. 
I  was  not  very  mucli  pleased  to  see  them  there.  Miss  Fortescue  came 
— I  wished  to  speak  to  her  about  her  preparation  for  Wednesday 
next.  Attended  to  business  of  many  kinds — went  round  the  theatre 
and  overlooked  the  various  departments.  Saw  the  rehearsal  of  the 
comic  scenes  of  the  pantomime,  which  were  very  ineffective  from  the 
incomplete  state  of  the  scenery.  After  it  was  over,  spent  above  two 
hours  in  devising  with  Messrs.  Willmott  and  Younge  the  best  means 
of  making  it  secure.  They  at  last  entered  into  my  views,  and  we 
made  an  arrangement  which  I  trust  and  hope  will  prove  satisfactory. 
December  ^Ith. — Saw  my  darling  babes,  and,  imploring  the 
blessing  of  God  upon  my  undertaking,  w^ent  to  Drury  Lane  theatre. 
Rehearsed  the  Merchant  of  Venice.  Went  round  the  various  places. 
Gave  direction  on  direction.  My  mind  was  over  every  part  of  the 
house.  My  room  very  uncomfortable.  Lay  down,  but  got  little  rest. 
Was  much  disturbed  by  being  called  for  as  the  play  began;  resisted 
for  a  long  while,  but  was  at  last  obliged  to  go  forward.  My  reception 
was  most  enthusiastic.  I  acted  Shylock  very  nervously — not  to  please 
myself.     I  saw  the  pantomime  afterwards.^ 

December  28t/i. — Rehearsed  Every  One  has  his  Fault.^  Incessant 
business  until  nearly  half -past  four  o'clock.  I  was  fearful  I  should 
not  have  a  command  of  the  words  of  my  part.  Note  from  Sir 
H.  Wheatley,  wishing  to  see  me  about  the  Queen's  box.  Read 
over  Harmony.  Acted  it  tolerably  well.  ^Vas  not  known  by  the 
audience  at  first.  Called  for  and  well  received.  The  play  seemed 
to  have  made  an  agreeable  impression,  about  which  I  was  very  anxious, 
as  being  a  comedy.  Mrs.  Carlyle  was  in  Catherine's  box,  and  very 
glad  to  see  me. 

December  29t/i. — Rehearsed  the  play  of  The  Tivo  Gentlemen  of 
Verona,  which  occupied  us  a  very  long  while;  it  was  not  finished  until 
five  o'clock.  Acted  Valentine  imperfectly,  and  not  well.  Was  called 
for  on  account  of  the  play,  and  warmly  received.     Miss  Fortescue  did 

*  Drury  Lane  theatre  opened  under  Macready's  management  with  the  Merchant  of 
Venice,  and  the  pantomime  of  Harlequin  and  Duke  Humphry  s  Dinner  ;  or  Jack  Cade,  the 
Lord  of  London  Stone.  The  cast  of  the  play  included  Mr.  G.  Bennett,  Mr.  Thelps,  Mr. 
Anderson,  Mr.  Hudson,  Mr.  H.  Hill,  Mr.  Marston,  Mr.  Selby,  Mr.  Compton  ;  with  Mrs. 
Warner  and  Mrs.  Keeley,  Miss  Poole  and  Miss  Gould.  The  prices  were  the  same  as  at 
Covent  Garden  when  under  Macready's  management.  The  playbill  contained  the  an- 
nouncement that  the  room  for  promenading  and  refreshment  attached  to  the  boxes  would 
be  strictly  protected  from  all  improper  intrusion. — [note  by  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 

2  By  Mrs.  Inchbald.— («c>/£  by  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

not  equal,  in  the  impression  she  seemed  to  make,  my  expectations. 
I  felt  very  much  on  her  account.  Let  us  hope.  Took  counsel  with 
my  officers  on  what  should  be  done  with  her.  All  and  Catherine  were 
of  opinion  that  Romeo  arid  Juliet  should  not  be  hazarded. 

December  SOiJi. — Looked  at  the  newspapers,  which  were  very  cordial 
in  their  notice  of  The  Tico  Gentlemen  of  Verona,  and  kind  in  their 
mention  of  Miss  Fortescue.  Sent  for  and  spoke  to  Miss  Fortescue 
about  last  night;  she  acknowledged  that  she  had  not  done  justice 
either  to  herself  or  me.  She  promised  to  be  more  attentive.  Held  a 
long  consultation  with  Messrs.  Serle,  Anderson,  Willmott,  Stanfield 
upon  the  question  of  whether  to  produce  Romeo  and  Juliet  or  Gisippus  ; 
the  vote  was  again  for  Gisippui^.  Came  home  and  read  two  acts  of 
Gisippus,  with  which  I  was  still  pleased. 

December  Qlst. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Entered  on 
business  immediately,  though  no  one  had  arrived !  Acted  Valentine 
indifferently.  Called  for  and  well  received.  Spoke  with  Miss  Fortescue 
after  the  play.  She  was  very  languid  in  her  acting.  Spoke  with 
Serle  and  Willmott.  Detained  by  the  bill.  Read  the  first  act  of 
Prisoner  of  War.  With  the  ending  of  this  year  I  offer  up  my 
humble  and  grateful  thanks  to  Almighty  God  for  the  blessings  vouch- 
safed to  me  and  mine — beseeching  the  continuance  of  His  mercy  upon 
our  house,  and  imploring  His  protection  and  blessing  upon  my  labours 
for  the  sake  of  my  blessed  family.     God  bless  them. 


Is2 


1842 

London,  January  1st. — Dear  Dickens  called  to  shake  hands  with 
me.^  My  heart  was  quite  full;  it  is  much  to  me  to  lose  the  presence 
of  a  friend  who  really  loves  me.  He  said  there  was  no  one  whom  he 
felt  such  pain  in  saying  good-bye  to.     God  bless  him. 

January  2nd. — In  conversation  with  Messrs.  Serle  and  Brydone,  it 
came  out  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Brydone,  when  speaking  of  the  accounts, 
that  no  bills,  no  material  had  been  paid  for ! !  It  was  a  thunderbolt 
to  me !  I  did  not  know  what  position  I  was  in — I  might  be  ruined ! 
I  was  very  angry.  Pie  had  the  cool  impudence,  when  I  said  it  was 
possible  I  might  be  burthened  with  a  debt  of  .£1000  or  =£1500,  to 
observe,  "  I  dare  say."  He  said  that  I  had  said,  "  Damn  the  expense." 
I  have  thought  upon  it,  and  it  is  a  jalseliood. 

January  Qrd. — Sir and  Sir called  to  see  the  Queen's  box, 

and  the  important  trifling  of  these  two  men  was  as  tediously  disgusting 
as  mindless  sycophancy  could  make  it.  Calcraft  called  and  sat  with  me 
some  time.  I  promised  him  that  if  I  acted  anywhere  I  would  act  with 
him,  and  that  I  would  make  no  engagement  without  apprising  him. 
Acted  Shylock  better  than  I  have  yet  done.  Was  called  for  and  well 
received. 

January  4<th. — Saw  my  darling  little  children.  Went  to  Drury 
Lane  theatre.  Gave  directions  to  C.  Jones,  from  whom  I  learned  that 
my  liabilities  would  amount  to  at  least  X2500 !  !  !  This  is  very  cruel. 
Gave  him  directions  to  write  out  a  circular,  refusing  to'  pay  any  bills 
unaccompanied  by  my  written  order,  previously  given.  Listened  to  the 
music  of  A  CIS  and  Galatea  on  the  stage,  which  is  much  too  long  for 
dramatic  purposes ;  all  agreed  in  the  propriety  of  very  much  reducing 
it.  There  was  much  debate,  but  it  soon  spoke  for  itself.  Read  a 
little,  but  could  not  fix  my  mind  on  business — the  sum  of  ,£2500  was 
a  spectre  to  me. 

January    5th. — Received    a    letter    from    that   unprincipled    villain 

,  the  editor  of  John  Bull,  wishing  to  know  from  me  if  "  the  women 

of  the  town  "  were  really  admitted  or  altogether  excluded,  as  he  sup- 
posed them  to  be,  his  "  duty  to  the  public  "  requiring  his  notice,  etc. 
The  ingrained  villain !     It  is  not  easy  to  suppress  one's  indignation  at 

^  On  going  to' America.— (w^/'^  l>y  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1842 

such  monstrous  malignity,  hut  my  course  is  to  do  right,  and  not  to 
give  heed  to  these  wicked  attempts  to  slander  rae.  Serlc  proposed, 
after  some  debate  upon  the  letter,  that  he  should  reply  to  it,  telling  the 
editor  that,  as  he  liad  two  nightly  admissions  on  the  theatre,  he  had 
the  power  to  come  and  observe  himself,  which  was  the  more  necessary 
as  a  prosecution  for  a  groundless  libel  had  already  been  coramenceti 
against  a  paper  on  the  same  subject.  Went  round  the  promenade 
lobbies  and  third  tier  entrance;  anything  more  miserable  or  uninviting 
to  the  profligate  cannot  be  well  conceived ! 

January  6th. — I  called  down  Stanfield,  with  whom  I  arranged  the 
whole  business  of  the  opera  of  Acis  and  Galatea.  It  occupied  the 
whole  morning. 

January  1th. — Listened  to  the  rehearsal  of  Acis  and  Galatea,  with 
which  I  was  really  pleased.  I  liked  the  music,  and  think  it  must  be  a 
beautiful  musical  entertainment.     God  send  us  success ! 

January  10th. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Received  a  note 
from  Mr.  Delane  about  some  misunderstanding  with  respect  to  Mr. 
T.  Delane's  card  on  Saturday  evening.  The  facts  appeared  to  be  that 
he,  Mr.  T.  Delane,  was  impatient  of  not  discovering  the  right  office, 
and  that  when  refused  entrance  and  offered  to  be  conducted  to  the  free 
list  office  by  the  check-taker,  he  tore  the  card  in  two,  and  went  away 
in  dudgeon.  This  was  not  well.  But  I  must  not  see  it,  for  I  must 
not  arm  the  Times  against  Drury  Lane  theatre.     I  wrote  very  civilly 

to  Mr.  D ,  not  choosing  to  know  the  exact  state  of  the  case. 

Listened  to  some  of  the  music  of  Acis  and  Galatea,  which  wins  upon  me. 

January  11th. — Spoke  with  Serle,  who  told  me  of  an  insidious 
and  false  attack  on  the  theatre  by  John  Bull.  Went  with  Willmott 
to  see  the  evolutions  of  the  ballet  under  Mr.  Noble,  which  were  exactly 
what  they  have  always  been.  It  would  not  do.  We  twiteted  them  a 
little,  but  it  was  not  good.  A  letter  in  verse  from  Mrs.  St.  Aubyn. 
I  am  vain  enough,  God  knows,  but  might  be  much  more  so! 

January  19f/?. — Business  with  Serle,  who  read  to  me  the  article 
in  John  Bull,  a  most  malignant,  insidious,  false,  and  wicked  article ; 
decided  on  sending  the  letter  and  taking  off  the  freedom.  Ordered 
that,  after  this  evening,  the  money  of  women  of  the  town  should  be 
refused  altogether  at  the  doors. 

January  ^Oth. — Letter  from  Sir  J.  Paul  ^  complaining  of  two  women 

^  A  well-known  banker  ;  his  son,  though  also  austerely  puritanical,  proved  a  sadly  remiss 
custodian  of  his  clients'  securities,  and  was  in  consequence  some  years  later  consigned  for  a 
considerable  period  to  the  treadmill. 


1842]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

of  the  town,  as  he  said,  being  adniitied  into  the  dress  circle.  Acted 
Shylock  very  well.  Forster  came  into  my  room,  and  wished  to  bring 
Emerson  Tennent  round.  After  the  play  Forster  came  round  with 
E.  Tennent,  who  expressed  himself  very  anxious  to  establish  himself 
as  a  friend  of  mine;  civilities  passed. 

January  21si. — Sir  John  Paul  and  a  friend  called,  to  complain  of 
the  two  women,  said  to  be  of  the  town,  in  the  dress  circle  last  night. 
It  is  denied ;  he  was  positive,  and — not  a  gentleman.  I  sickened  at  the 
impertinent  assumption  of  the  fellow,  but  listened  to  his  story,  and 
promised  to  do  justice. 

January  24f/i. — Acted  Shylock  well.  Forster  and  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Carlyle  came  into  my  room,  much  pleased  with  the  play — I  was 
pleased  that  they  were. 

January  ^6th. — A  letter  from  Carlyle  informing  me  that  Gay  was 
the  author  of  the  words  of  Acis  and  Galatea. 

January  QOth. — Looked  at  the  J  aim  Bull  newspaper,  and  saw  that 
the  editor  had  suppressed  my  letter,  and  published  his  own  observa- 
tions on  such  parts  of  it  as  he  chose  to  allude  to.  The  villain  I  Wrote 
to  Forster,  wishing  to  see  him.  Forster  called,  without  receiving  my 
letter,  to  speak  to  me  about  the  knavery  of  John  Bull.  We  discussed 
the  subject,  and  I  cordially  assented  to  his  advice  to  write  to  the  editor 
of  the  Times,  and  request  him  to  insert  the  letter  to  John  Bull.  I 
asked  him  to  write  it  for  me,  as  I  was  occupied  with  a  letter  to  Dickens. 
Sir  W.  Martin  called  to  say  the  King  of  Prussia  would  visit  Drury 
Lane  theatre  to-morrow  night,  and  wished  to  hear  the  play  of  Macbeth. 
I  explained  to  him  the  impossibility  of  that  or  any  other  play  but  those 
now  acting.  He  recommended  Serle's  journey  to  AVindsor  to  settle 
the  matter  with  the  parties  there,  and  it  was  so  arranged.  Serle  called 
soon  after,  and  I  despatched  him  with  instructions.  Returned  and 
copied  out  the  letter  which  Forster  had  written  for  me,  copied  out  also 
the  letter  to  the  proprietors  of  John  Bull,  and,  with  a  letter  to  Delane, 
closed  the  affair.  Serle  returned  with  the  information  that  the  King 
of  Prussia  had  selected  The  Two  Gentlemen  of  Verona.  I  could  have 
wished  he  had  stayed  at  Windsor  or  gone  to  any  other  theatre,  rather 
than  have  fixed  on  such  a  play ;  it  seems  he  wanted  Hamlet  or  Macbeth. 
Much  annoyed  about  the  play  to-morrow  night. 

January  31st. — I  see  with  great  satisfaction  my  letter  in  The  Times 
newspaper.  Felt  most  grateful  for  this  vindication,  which  sets  me  at 
ease  in  regard  to  these  false  and  malicious  attacks  upon  me.  Thank 
God.     Superintended  the  rehearsal  of  Acis  and  Galatea,  which  looks 

^55 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1842 

extremely  beautiful.  A  Mr.  Grejifell,  a  General  Committee  man, 
wished  me  to  let  him  and  his  party  through  the  stage  to  the  pit.  I 
declined,  telling  him  I  would  not  do  it  for  £10,000.  He  said  that  was 
a  large  sum.  I  listened  to  him,  but  would  not  give  way  to  him.  Gave 
directions  about  the  Queen's  box.  Acted  Valentine  very  fairly.  The 
King  of  Prussia  was  very  well  received.  The  house  was  not  good — a 
complete  disappointment. 

Fcbruanj  1st. — Not  at  all  well.  Looked  at  the  paper,  and  was 
pleased  to  see  my  letters  to  the  Times  inserted  with  a  notice  in  the 
Chronicle.  Letter  from  Mr.  J.  Delane.  A  noble  article,  the  third 
leader,  in  the  Times  on  the  attack  of  John  Bull. 

Fehrunry  2ndf. — Wrote  to  Mr.  Delane,  thanking  him  for  the  article 
in  yesterday's  Times.  Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Attended  to  the 
rehearsal  of  the  Prisoner  of  War.  Mr.  Jerrold  came  in  during  part 
of  it.  Business  with  Mr.  Faraday  (brother  of  the  great  philosopher) 
about  the  concentric  burner,  which  he  brought.  Allason  brought 
draperies.  Superintended  the  rehearsal  of  the  choruses  of  Acis  and 
Galatea.  Business  with  various  people.  Acted  Beverley  tolerably 
well.  Called  for  and  well  received.  Letter  from  Mr.  Coakley,  extract- 
ing a  passage  from  one  of  Mr.  C.  Mathews's,  in  which  he  said  that 
Mr.  E.  Morton  had  said  that  I  said  that  Mr.  Andrews  had  said  that 
Co  vent  Garden  theatre  was  a  bankrupt  concern,  and  wishing  to  know 
if  I  had  said  so.  Answered  Mr.  Coakley  to  the  effect  that  he  himself 
had  told  me  Covent  Garden  would  have  stopped  several  times  but  for 
the  pecuniary  aid  of  his  late  uncle,  ct  voiJa  tout  that  I  had  said  to 
Mr.  E.  Morton. 

February  2rd. — Wrote  to  Mr.  Oscar  Byrne,  declining  to  go  to  the 
funeral  of  Mr.  Ducrow  ^  on  Saturday,  being  compelled  to  attend  the 
rehearsal  of  Acis  and  Galatea.  Under  any  circumstances  I  should  not 
have  gone — to  have  met  the  company  invited  there. 

February  5th. — Gave  my  whole  attention  during  the  day  to  the 
various  matters  connected  with  the  opera.  Directed  the  rehearsal  of 
Acis  and  Galatea."     The  curtain  was  let  down,  and  the  stage  swept  five 

*  Andrew  Ducrow  (1793-1842),  the  well-known  equestrian.  Macready,  not  without 
reason,  declined  to  rank  him  as  a  brother  artist. 

*  The  play  bill  announced  the  opera  (not  divided  into  acts)  of  ^cts  and  Galatea, 
adapted  and  arranged  for  representation  from  the  serenata  of  Handel.  The  orchestral 
arrangements  by  Mr.  T.  Cooke.  The  scenii,  illustrations  by  Mr.  Stanfield,  R.A.  The 
principal  parts  were:  Cupid,  Miss  Gould;  Acis,  Miss  P.  Horton  ;  Damon,  Mr.  Allen; 
Polyphemus,  Mr.  H.  Phillips;  Galatea,  Miss  Romer.  The  dances  under  the  direction  of 
Mr.  Noble.— (m^/«  by  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 

156 


1842]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

minutes  before  the  liall'-hour  past  six.  Stanfield  and  the  assistants 
painting  to  the  last  minute.  Saw  the  performance  of  the  opera,  which 
was  beautiful ;  have  never  seen  anything  of  the  kind  in  my  life  so  per- 
fectly beautiful.  Gave  my  whole  attention  to  it.  At  the  conclusion 
was  called  for  and  most  enthusiastically  received ;  I  gave  it  out  for 
repetition.  Mrs.  Jameson  was  in  Catherine's  box.  Went  into  Miss 
H.  Faucit's  box  and  spoke  to  her,  the  Brayshers,  etc.  'Gratulations 
were  passing  everywhere.  Forster,  Serle,  Anderson,  Willmott,  C. 
Jones  came  into  my  room,  all  highly  excited.  Gave  Serle  a  note 
authorizing  him  and  C.  Jones  to  receive  and  audit  Mr.  Brydone's 
accounts.  I  feel  very  grateful  for  this  success.  Too  much  excited  to 
think  of  sleeping. 

February  6th. — Rejoiced  in  my  absence  from  Mr.  Ducrow's  funeral, 
which  was  attended  by  a  fearful  set — Messrs.  Bunn,  etc.  When  will 
my  funeral  come?  Let  it  be  as  simple  as  the  return  of  dust  to  dust 
should  be,  and  somewhere  where  those  that  love  me  may  come  to  think 
of  me. 

February  Itli. — Was  raised  to  a  more  cheering  and  happier  state 
of  hope  and  confidence  by  the  enthusiastic  tone  of  the  newspapers. 
Felt  relieved  and  grateful.  Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Directed 
the  rehearsal  of  the  Prisoner  of  War,^  and  bestowed  much  pains  on  it. 
Read  several  letters,  attended  to  business  of  wardrobes,  etc.  Note 
from  Delane  for  a  private  box,  which  I  sent  to  him.  The  Times  was 
more  encomiastic  than  the  other  papers,  but  the  tone  of  all  was  in 
"sweet  accord,"  and  the  opinions  that  reached  me  unanimously  enthu- 
siastic. Acted  Shylock  well.  I  wished  the  Delanes  to  see  me  to 
advantage,  though  the  house  was  bad.  The  Merchant  has  broken  at 
last !  Stanfield  came  in  and  would  not  tell  me  his  charge,  until  he 
saw  what  the  piece  did  for  me.  Received  a  very  abusive  paper  from  a 
Sir  J.  Philipart,  the  Northern  and  Metropolitan  Gazette,  which  I 
returned  to  him,  saying  I  was  "  honoured  by  his  abuse."  Forster  and 
Serle  came  from  Covent  Garden  theatre,  and  reported  the  comedy  of 
Mr.  Boucicault  as  a  failure.     We  shall  see. 

February  Sth. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre  and  saw  again  Acis 
and  Galatea.  It  is  beautiful.  Was  called  for  after  Mesdames  Horton 
and  Romer  had  been  on,  and  very  warmly  received.  Went  into 
Catherine's  box  to  see  the  Prisoner  of  War,  when  I  was  sent  for  to 
Bulwer,  who  went  with  me  into  our  private  box  to  see  the  piece,  which 
he  liked  very  much. 

^  By  Douglas  Jerrold. — {note  by  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 

^S7 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1842 

February  lOth. — Jerrold  called,  and,  signing  an  agreement  to  write 
a  farce,  received  an  advance  of  £50.  Forster  called,  and,  after  him, 
F.  Dickens,^  whom  we  examined  and  expostulated  with,  and  whom  I 
lectured.  I  sent  him  home  to  conduct  himself  more  temperately  with 
the  servants,  which  he  seemed  to  promise  he  would  do.  Began  to 
mark  the  play  of  Gisippus.  Forster  brought  me  the  slip  from  the 
Examiner  with  Mr.  H.  Berkeley's  notice  of  Acts  and  Galatea,  which  is 
the  notice  of  a  badly-natured,  ignorant  man,  with  a  slight  knowledge 
and  no  feeling  of  music ;  it  is  written  with  great  vulgarity  and  violent 
spleen.  I  think  Fonblanque  ought  to  be  ashamed  of  himself  for 
permitting  such  a  notice  to  appear. 

February  11th. — Forster  called,  and  told  me  that  Fonblanque  had 
behaved  with  great  consideration  and  kindness — also  in  his  mention  of 
me — concerning  Mr.  H.  Berkeley's  notice  of  Acis  and  Galatea. 

February  l^th. — Miss  Romer  ^  has  thrown  our  business  back  by 
refusing  the  part  she  had  accepted  in  The  Poor  Soldier.  She  is  jealous 
of  Miss  Horton.  The  editor  of  Punch  sent  me  a  volume  of  the  work, 
containing  copious  abuse  of  myself.  Note  of  grateful  acknowledgment 
from  Miss  P.  Horton  for  her  advanced  salary.  Letter  from  Mr. 
Dickens  senior,  asking  me  for  the  loan  of  <£20.  I  must  consult  Forster 
upon  it.  Was  called  for  and  very  well  received.  Spoke  to  the  vocalists 
in  the  green-room,  and  read  there  Mr.  H.  Phillips's  letter.  Thanked 
him  and  those  who  had  offered  to  play  in  The  Poor  Soldier,  but  was 
obliged  to  decline  acting  it,  in  consequence  of  the  refusal  of  one  of 
the  ladies — Miss  Romer — to  play  the  part  she  had  promised  to  do. 

February  15th. — Went  to  Drury  I^ane  theatre,  where  I  attended 
to  business,  and  directed  a  rehearsal  of  Gisippus  that,  with  four  acts, 
occupied  me  the  whole  day. 

February  IHth. — Note  from  Miss  Faucit  absurdly  complaining  of 
being  cast  Catherine  for  Monday  night.  She  last  complained  of  ]Mr. 
Webster  for  not  putting  her  in  it.     Answered  her. 

February  21st. — Wrote  to  Mr.  J.  Dickens.  Sent  him  £20,  desiring 
him  not  to  mention  it  to  his  son.     Forster  had  advised  £10 — but  he 

is  Dickens's  father,  though 

February  22r?J. — Saw  Mr.  Webster's  letter  to  the  newspapers  about 
myself.     I  could  not  have  dictated  one  to  him  that  could,  if  I  wished 

'  A  brother  of  Charles  Dickens,  who  was  in  charge  of  the  novelist's  establishment  during 
his  absence  in  A  merica. 

*  Emma  Romer  (1814-1868)  ;  afterwards  Mrs.  Almond;  a  singer  of  considerable 
reputation. 

158 


1842]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

it,  have  more  effectually  proved  him  ivhat  he  is — worse  cannot  be 
said. 

February  23rd. — Acted  Gisippus,  I  must  admit,  not  well,  not 
finished ;  not  like  a  great  actor.  The  actor  was  lost  in  the  manager. 
The  effect  of  the  play  was  success ;  but  I  am  not  satisfied.  I  hope  I 
shall  be  able,  if  I  escape  severe  handling  in  this  instance,  to  be  more 
careful  in  future.     Was  called  for,  and  very  warmly  received. 

February  ^4^th. — Did  not  rise  early — could  not ;  my  strength, 
physical  and  mental,  was  quite  prostrated.  I  could  not  rally.  Looked 
at  the  papers,  one  only  of  which,  the  Herald,  noticed  the  play  of  last 
night.  Walked  out  with  Catherine  in  the  Park,  and  in  the  Botanical 
Gardens,  enjoying — oh,  how  I  enjoyed — the  fresh  air  I  I  seemed  to 
drink  in  spirits  and  temporary  re-invigoration  with  every  breath  I 
drew.  I  have  not  known  such  a  luxurious  sensation  for  many  a  day. 
I  thank  God  for  the  comfort.  Returning,  received  my  letters ;  one 
from  Miss  Faucit,  unable,  as  she  said,  to  act  in  txvo  parts  in  one  night — 
not  well — not  well  I 

February  91  th. — Rose  late;  saw  the  Examiner,  in  which  was  a 
notice,  which  we  all  thought  very  cold,  of  Gisippus.  Catherine  and 
Letitia  very  angry  and  much  hurt.  I  did  not  feel  it  much.  Looked  at 
King  Arthur.  Arranged  my  accounts.  Wrote  a  note  to  Betty, ^ 
giving  him  the  freedom  of  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Looked  out  for  after- 
pieces. Elliotson  called,  talked  with  and  prescribed  for  me.  Forster 
called — saw  that  there  was  sore  feeling  and  questioned  me ;  I  told  him 
what  he  asked,  viz.  my  impression  of  the  effect  of  his  article,  at  which 
he  was  much  distressed.  He,  Browning,  Anderson,  and  Jonathan 
Bucknill  dined  with  us ;  a  very  pleasant,  quiet  day. 

March  4t/j. — Note  from  Browning;  looked  at  the  paper.  Went  to 
Drury  Lane,  reading  Athehoold,  a  printed  play  sent  to  me  yesterday — 
another  instance  of  the  extraordinary  groAvth  of  dramatic  power  in  our 
time.  Attended  to  the  rehearsal  of  No  Song,  no  Supper,  which  will 
be  very  well  performed.  Lay  down,  ill  and  fatigued,  to  rest;  read 
more  of  Athehoold,  and  still  more  pleased. 

March  6th. — I  dined  with  Liston,  the  surgeon;^  met  Barham, 
Liston  the  actor,  T.  Cooke,  C.  Taylor,  Cartwright,  who  came  late, 
Stanfield.     Looked  at  bill.     Saw  tlie  Obsei-ver,  and  some  dirty  work  in  it. 

^  William  Henry  West  Betty  (1791-1S74) ;  the  "  Young  Rosciiis."  He  and  Macready 
had  acted  together  in  their  younger  days. 

^  Robert  Liston  (1794-1847) ;  one  of  the  most  successful  operators  of  his  day.  He  was  a 
relative  of  John  Liston  (1776-1846),  the  famous  actor. 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1842 

March  1th. — Acted  Gisippus  in  the  lowest  state  of  spirits — struck 
down  to  the  earth  by  the  sight  of  the  house,  which  was  unexpected!}' 
a-o)jul — and  racked  witli  rheumatism.  My  spirits  could  not  rally  under 
the  blow.  I  could  only  try  to  say  those  things  well  that  alluded  to  the 
desperate  condition  of  my  own  affairs.  I  could  he  content — co7itent  to 
die,  for  I  do  not  see  how  my  life  can  benefit  my  blessed  children  further 
— and  what  else  have  I  to  live  for — as  a  duty.  I  dearly  and  deeply 
love  my  blessed  wife,  but  it  will  only  double  and  prolong  misery  to  live 
on  beside  her  in  the  misery  that  I  seem  to  foresee.  Note  from  Stanfield, 
naming  £200  as  his  payment;  very  kind.  In  very  depressed  spirits. 
^Ve  had  decided  in  our  afternoon's  consultation  to  bring  out  Macbeth 
on  Easter  Monday,  and  Serle  had  brought  back  Mrs.  Nisbett's  promise 
to  call  on  me  at  ten  o'clock  on  Thursday.  Spoke  to  Miss  Fortescue 
about  Emmeline. 

March  10th. — Mrs.  Nisbett  called.  Spoke  to  her  on  the  subject  of 
an  engagement.  She  seemed  at  first  rather  disposed  to  use  my  overture 
to  her  as  a  means  of  raising  her  price  at  other  theatres,  but  when  I 
explained  to  her  the  views  I  had  respecting  her,  she  seemed  impressed 
with  the  prospect  they  opened  to  her,  and  finally  left  me  to  consult  with 
her  family,  under  a  promise  of  seeing  me  again  at  the  same  hour — one 
o'clock — on  Saturday. 

March  11th. — Acted  Gisippus  better  than  I  have  yet  done.  Called 
for  and  well  received.    The  Queen  and  Prince  Albert  occupied  their  box. 

March  12f/t. — Received  a  note  from  Mrs.  Nisbett  disappointing  me. 
I  ought  not  to  be  surprised — these  are  the  commodities  in  which  I  have 
to  deal !  Oh,  God !  assist  me.  Note  from  Miss  Turpin,  thanking  me 
for  her  addition  of  salary.  Talked  with  Anderson,  Serle  and  Willmott 
on  the  subject  of  Mrs.  Nisbett ;  all  rather  desponding  as  to  her  engage- 
ment. Dressed.  'W  Cooke  called  and  accompanied  me  to  the  Purcell 
Club,  "Crown  and  Anchor."  Saw  Mr.  Hogarth,^  Bellamy- — quite  a 
wreck  of  an  old  man  ! — Mr.  Edward  Taylor,  the  president,  and  my 
host ;  Cartwright,  and,  to  my  surprise — and  disbelief  at  first — Mr. 
Bunn  at  the  dinner-table.  Mr.  Macdonald  sat  next  to  me.  Purcell's 
music  was  very  charming,  particularly  his  sacred  music ;  but  the  day 
quite  overcame  me.  Mr.  Bunn  walked  off  at  a  very  early  hour. 
Cartwright  i\ished  me  to  go  with  him  to  Murchison's,^  but  I  had  no 

*  George    Hogarth    (1783-1870)  ;    the    well-known    musical   critic;    Charles    Dickens's 
father-in-law. 

-'  Thomas  Ludford  Bellamy  (1770-1843) ;  singer  and  theatrical  manager. 

*  Sir  Roderick  Impey  Murchison,  Bart.  (1792-1871) ;  the  eminent  geologist. 

160 


1842]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

heart  or  head.  Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Heard  of  Mrs.  Nisbett's 
intention  not  to  engage  ivith  us — yielding  to  the  persuasions  of  Mr. 
Farren,  etc.  Much  fatigued  and  depressed.  A  letter  from  Sir 
W.  Martin,  expressing  the  Queen's  wish  for  Acis  and  Galatea  to  be 
acted  after  Gisippus  on  Friday.  Lord  Delawarr  sending  word  she 
was  "delighted  with  the  play  and  my  acting." 

March  16th. — Mrs.  Nisbett  and  her  mother  called,  and  entered  on 
the  matter  of  her  visit.  Her  terms  were  £35  per  week.  She  waived 
the  question  of  a  Benefit,  leaving  it  to  circumstances  and  my  considera- 
tion. All  her  other  intended  stipulations  she  waived,  leaving  all 
matters  to  my  discretion.  She  signed  her  engagement  for  next  season 
at  £35  per  week,  the  two  next,  if  she  remained  on  the  stage,  at  £40. 
We  parted  apparently  mutually  satisfied.  She  agreed  to  all  the  regula- 
tions of  the  theatre, 

March  19th. — The  Gurwoods  and  Miss  Meyer,  Lord  Beaumont, 
Charles  Buller,  Mr.  Milnes,  C.  Young,  Dr.  Quin,  Knox,  dined  with  us. 
In  the  evening  the  Procters,  Mrs.  Kitchener,  the  Chisholm,  Maclise, 
the  Spicers,  Miss  P.  Horton,  Mr.  Allen,  came  in. 

March  20t/t. — Lord  Nugent,  Miss  Adelaide  Kemble,  Mrs.  Reid, 
Hetta  Skerrett,  Messrs.  C.  Kemble,  Travers,  Cartwright,  Pierce 
Butler,  Beazley,  G.  Raymond,  Dr.  Elliotson,  Jerdan,  came  to  dine 
with  us.  Hetta  told  me  that  the  Queen  had  desired  Marianne  ^  to  tell 
me  that  she  was  very  much  pleased  with  all  she  had  seen  at  Drury 
Lane.  Adelaide  Kemble  was  very  agreeable,  and  sang  in  the  evening 
with  a  passion  and  fervour  that  satisfied  me  of  her  claims  to  distinction." 
A  cheerful  and  agreeable  day. 

March  25th. — Received  an  anonymous  note  informing  me  that 
Mr.  Bunn  had  purchased  Polhill's  share  in  the  Age  for  £100 ! — that 
he  was  now  sole  editor  at  six  guineas  per  week  !  with  other  facts  that 
leave  me  no  room  to  doubt  of  the  truth  of  my  correspondent. 

March  26t/j. — Received  an  intimation  from  Beazley  that  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  C.  Mathews  would  come  to  Drury  Lane  if  they  could  receive 
remuneration  for  their  services.  Took  Serle,  Willmott  and  Anderson 
into  consultation  upon  it.  We  sifted  the  matter  as  we  best  could, 
and  the  conclusion   was   that   we   could   not   make   them   worth   their 

^  Miss  Marianne  Skerrett  held  some  small  post  in  the  Royal  household.  She  and  her 
sister  were  connections  of  Macready. 

*  Adelaide  Kemble  (1814-1879),  besides  being  a  gifted  singer  was  an  accomplished 
writer ;  after  her  marriage  with  Mr.  Sartoris  (in  1853)  she  withdrew  into  private  life  and 
became  a  well-known  figure  in  the  cultured  society  of  the  day. 

VOL.  II.  M  161 


i^ 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1842 

cost.  Dined  with  Kenyon.  Met  Rev.  Dr.  Hawtrey  (Eton),  Dr. 
Asliburner,  Babbage,  Browning,  Dyce,  Harness. 

March  S,lth. — Looked  at  the  newspaper,  in  which  was  a  very  good 

^^article  on  the  drama  and  its  scenic   appliances   by  Forster.     Mr.   C. 

^^'       Darley  called,  and  I  went  over  with  him  the  play,  as  to  structure,  of 

Plighted  Troth,  and  showed  him  the  necessity  of  further  omission  and 

dove-tailing — he  assented   to  all.      On   invitation  he   stayed   to   lunch 

with  us ;  his  manners  are  very  frank  and  pleasant. 

March  29th. — Spoke  with  Beazley  on  the  engagement  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  C.  Mathews ;  treated  the  question  as  respected  them  with  the 
utmost  delicacy  and  with  all  proper  feeling.  Consulted  my  council, 
and  upon  that  offered  them  £40  per  week  for  next  season. 

March  SOth. — Read  Plighted  Troth  to  Catherine  and  Letitia,  who 
were  much  struck  with  it.^  Beazley  called  and  informed  me  of  Mr. 
C.  Mathews's  refusal  of  £40  per  week  for  himself  and  his  wife.  We 
talked  for  some  time ;  he  said  from  them  that  they  would  find  their 
own  clothes,  and  submit  to  costume,  and  be  in  all  respects  good  sub- 
jects, but  that  they  did  not  like  half-past-nine-o'clock  rehearsals.  I 
offered  them  £50,  which  Beazley  undertook  to  convey  to  them.  Con- 
sulted with  Serle,  Anderson,  etc.,  on  the  expediency  of  increasing 
the  offer  to  the  Mathews  ;  all  were  against  it. 

March  31st. — At  the  theatre  spoke  to  Phelps  about  his  part  and 
read  the  play  of  Plighted  Troth,  which  produced  a  great  effect. 
Gave  subjects  of  scenes  to  the  painters.  Talked  over  various  matters 
of  business,  particularly  discussing  the  subject  of  the  Mathewses' 
engagement. 

April  2nd. — T.  Cooke  called  and  we  settled  the  remaining-  points 
of  King  Arthur,  but  as  we  spoke  of  it  he  gave  his  opinion,  and 
strongly,  against  producing  it  in  the  hurried  way  in  which  it  must 
be  done  this  season.  His  reasons  had  weight  with  me,  and  I  saw  the 
uncertainty  of  success — the  certainty  of  not  doing  all  that  might  be 
done  with  the  piece.  Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre,  calling  in  my 
way  on  Beazley,  who  was  out.  Heard  the  effects  of  distance  in  the 
music  of  Macbeth.  A  note  from  Sir  W.  Martin  to  intimate  the 
Queen's  visit  on  Monday.  Miss  Welsh,  Mrs.  Carlyle's  niece,  dined 
with  us.  Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Spoke  with  my  counsellors, 
but  I  did  not  find  \\-isdom  in  the  multitude.     Went  to  see  the  burletta       if 

^  It  is  strange  how  completely  this  play  falsified  on  production  all  the  favourable  opinions  \\ 
that  it  had  previously  enlisted.  As  will  be  seen,  it  proved  an  immediate  and  irreme  liable  £j 
failure. 

162 


CHARLES    JAMES    MATTHEWS 

Froju  «  lithograph  of  a  painting  by  R.  Jone» 


1842]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

at  Covent  Garden,  which  was  huuiorous,  gorj^eous,  whimsical,  and  well 
adaped  in  such  a  theatre  to  its  end.  In  tliis  species  of  entertaimuent 
(not  properly  belonging  to  a  national  theatre,  but  rather  to  a  house 
for  burletta,  etc.),  the  Covent  Garden  theatre  people  bear  away  the 
bell. 

April  3rJ. — Mr.  Charles  Darley  called,  and  we  talked  over  the 
suggested  alterations  that  had  occurred  to  me.  He  was  perfectly 
satisfied  with  the  suggestions  and  mentioned  his  wish,  if  I  were  not 
adverse,  to  inscribe  the  play  ^  to  me.  I  could  only  say  how  proud  I 
was  of  the  compliment.  Tom  I.andseer  called — poor  fellow !  '  Bulwer 
called,  left  me  two  French  plays  to  read  in  order  to  judge  of  the 
subject. 

April  Mh. — Wrote  notes  to  Mrs.  Carlyle,  thanking  her  for  the 
gift  of  a  brooch  which  was  once  Flora  Macdonald's.  Acted  Macbeth 
very  fairly,  was  called  for  and  well  received.  The  Queen  and  Prince 
Albert  were  present. 

April  5th. — To  Maclise,  and  was  very  much  pleased  to  see  his 
grand  picture  of  Hamlet,  which  was  splendid  in  colour  and  general 
effect.  With  some  of  the  details  I  did  not  quite  agree,  particularly 
the  two  personages,  Hamlet  and  Ophelia.  Drove  to  Edwin  Landseer's 
and  saw  some  of  his  charming  works.  Went  on  to  Etty,  and  was 
delighted  with  his  gorgeous  colours  and  ravishing  forms.  I  went  from 
thence  to  Drury  Lane  theatre,  where  I  transacted  business  with  \Vill- 
mott,  Serle,  Sloman,  the  painters,  etc.  Returned  home,  having  read 
through  the  second  act  of  the  farce.  The  Lady-Killer,  The  Trip  to 
Margate,  one  act  and  part  of  another  of  The  Water  Carrier,  and  part 
of  Intimate  Friends.  Employed  the  evening  in  looking  through  some 
folios  of  the  Galerie  de  Versailles  for  subjects  for  rooms  and  costume 
for  Plighted  Troth. 

April  Hth. — Note  from  Beazley  about  the  Mathewses.  Answered 
it  expressing  my  belief  they  were  coquetting.  Acted  Gisippus,  for 
the  last  time,  pretty  well.  Called  for  and  well  received.  Now  here 
is  a  complete  defeat  of  my  calculations.  I  thought  it  a  material  object 
in  opening  a  theatre  to  have  such  a  play.  It  has  produced  nothing, 
and  been  well  spoken  of.  There  is  some  weakness  in  it,  which  I  have 
not  yet  exactly  pointed  out. 

April  9f//. — I  agreed  to  give  Mr.  and  Mrs.  C.  Mathews  the  terms 
f(jr  which  they  stood  out,  viz.  £60  per  week.     It  is  a  very  great  salary, 
but  it  is  paid  in  consideration  of  enfeebling  an  opposition  as  well  as 
»  PlUhted  Troth.  *  He  was  "  stone  "  deai. 

M2  163 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1842 

adding  to  my  own  strength .  Went  on  to  Drury  Lane  theatre  where 
I  entered  on  business;  told  VVilhuott  of  what  I  had  done;  he  was 
rejoiced  at  it.  Called  at  Beazley's  and  found  there  Mr.  C.  Mathews 
and  Madame  Vestris.  I  met  them  very  frankly  and  good-humouredly  ; 
heard  much  that  was  irrelevant,  and  some  things  that  amused  me ;  at 
last  concluded  an  engagement  with  them  for  two  years  at  the  salary 
of  £60  per  week  for  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Parted  with  them,  they 
starting  off  in  their  carriage,  I  in  my  shattered  old  hack  cab ! 

April  10th. — Dined  with  Sir  Isaac  Goldsmid  ^ — a  very  rich  house, 
and  the  daughters  agreeable.  Dr.  Roget,^  the  Brazilian  minister,  Sir 
Robert  Adair, ^  etc.,  dined  there. 

April  llth. — Rather  later  than  I  wished  in  rising.  Counted  the 
lines  of  the  play,  which  I  found  to  amount  to  at  least  3236 — a  start- 
ling number  ;  but  I  have  a  feeling  like  hope — perhaps  akin  to  trust — 
in  the  massive  language  and  fine  thoughts  properly  spread  over  this 
play.  I  dare  not,  however,  indulge  in  expectation.  Gave  the  em- 
ployment of  the  day  to  the  thought  and  reading  of  my  part  of  Grim- 
wood  in  Plighted  Troth.  A  note  from  Monckton  Milnes,  wishing  me 
to  meet  the  Prussian  Minister  (Bunsen)  at  his  house  on  Tiiursday. 

April  18th. — Mr.  Roth  came  to  ask  me  about  the  arrangement  of 
a  dress  for  Prince  Albert  for  a  fancy  ball.  Went  to  Drury  Lane 
theatre  and  attended  to  the  various  businesses  pressing  on  me.  W^nt 
on  the  stage  and  attended  the  rehearsal  of  the  new  farce,  which  the 
actors  do  not  seem  to  know  how  to  try  to  act ;  and  I  must  defer  it,  and 
take  it  in  hand  myself. 

April  Idth. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Attended  there  to 
business  of  all  kinds.  Rehearsed  the  play  of  Plighted  Troth,  which 
occupied  me  the  whole  day.  Mr.  Darley  was  present.  Business  with 
all  the  departments.  Fully  and  momentarily  occupied.  Coming  home, 
found  Forster,  who  had  come  to  dine.  In  the  evening  read  the  part 
of  Grimwood. 

April  20t/i. — Went  to  the  theatre,  trying  to  keep  my  thoughts  on 
the  acting  of  my  part.  Rehearsed  the  play  of  Plighted  Troth.  Be- 
came confident  in  hope  about  it.     Looked  at  the  chance  of  a  brilliant 

*  Sir  Isaac  Lyon  Goldsmid,  Bart.  (1778-1859),  the  well-known  financier  ;  the  first  Jew  to 
receive  a  baronetcy. 

"  Peter  Mark  Roget  (1779-1869)  ;  an  eminent  physician  and  scientist;  nephew  of  Sir 
Samuel  Romilly,  author  of  the  Thesaurus  of  English  Words  and  Phrases,  which  obtained  a 
wide  circulation. 

'  Sir    Robert   Adair,   K.C.H.  (1763-1855);  Whi};   diplnmati*;!   and    intimate    friend   of 
Charles  Fox.      Ridiculed   l)y  Canning  in  one  of  his  Anli-Jacobin    "squibs." 
164 


1842]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

success.  Serle  spoke  to  me.  Rested.  Acted  nervously ;  but  the  play 
■was  unsuccessful.  Long  consultation  afterwards  on  what  should  be 
done.  Anderson,  C.  Jones,  Serle,  Willmott,  and  Forster.  I  wished 
to  do  justice  to  the  author,  and  we  agreed  at  last  to  give  it  another 
trial.  Chance,  I  fear,  there  is  none.  Eloil  A  most  unhappy  failure ; 
I  have  felt  it  deeply,  deeply. 

April  21st. — Came  down,  wretchedly  low  at  heart,  worn,  done, 
and  depressed  by  the  issue  of  last  night  and  the  w^ant  of  sleep.  I  did 
not  sleep  at  all  through  the  night.  I  cannot  imagine  how  I  could 
have  been  so  mistaken.  Surely  I  could  not  believe  that  to  be  poetry, 
thought,  energy,  imagination,  and  melody  of  rhythm  w^hich  was  totally 
devoid  of  all  these !  Wrote  an  answer  to  Miss  Power.  Mr.  Darley 
called.  We  talked  over  the  matter  of  last  night.  He  was  much 
depressed,  and  I  agonized  for  him.^  He  deserved  to  succeed.  The 
result  of  our  conference  was  that  he  could  not  make  the  alterations 
suggested  to  his  play  by  this  day's  rehearsal,  and,  therefore,  that  he 
would  wish  the  play  to  be  withdrawn. 

April  ^^nd. — Received  a  note  from  Dr.  Ashburner,  informing  me 
that  Darley  would  call  on  me,  and  wishing  me  to  speak  encouragingly 
to  him.  God  knows  I  need  no  prompter  to  act  in  kindness  and 
sympathy  towards  him.  A  note — a  most  kind  note — from  Bulwer  in 
relation  to  Mr.  Darley's  play.  I  enclosed  it  to  Mr.  Darley,  with  a 
cordial  expression  of  sympathy  and  a  cheque  for  £34.  Looked  out 
a  play  for  Miss  P.  Horton's  benefit. 

April  23rd. — At  dinner  received  a  most  affecting  note  from  Darley 
that  almost  reconciles  one  to  the  misery  that  has  been  my  lot  this 
week. 

April  Mth. — Colonel  Gurwood  called  with  Lord  Douro  and  Lord 
Charles  Wellesley,^  the  latter  wanting  a  knight's  armour  of  Edward 
Ill's  reign  to  attend,  by  order,  Prince  Albert  at  the  fancy  ball  at 
the  Palace!  Cares  of  rulers  and  of  legislators!  I  showed  them  all 
the  attention  in  my  power.  Gave  much  attention  to  Marino  Falicro, 
which  I  begin  to  like,  but  I  never  dare  venture  to  hope  again  !  Walked 
out  with  Edward  and  called  on  Bulwer,  who  was  from  home  ;  on  Mihies, 
who  had  two  disagreeable  aristocratical  visitors  with  him.  P.  Butler 
came  in  and  told  me  that  C.  Kemble  was  the  manager  of  Covent 
Garden  theatre,  but  that  he,  P.  B ,  had  nothing  to  do  with  it. 

1  Macready  was  always  most  loyal  to  his  authors,  a  quality  that    has  never  been  too 
conspicuous  among  managers  when  confronted  with  a  fiasco. 
*  The  sons  of  the  Duke  of  Wellington. 

i6c 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1842 

Called  on  Darley  and  left  him  a  note ;  called  on  Rogers,  left  card. 
Found  Kenyon  at  home.  No  word  from  Forster  to  smooth  the  fall 
of  Plighted  Troth.  The  whole  evening  to  Marino  Faliero,  which 
improves  on  me. 

April  25th. — Acted  Macbeth  with  much  energy,  sustaining  the 
character  to  the  last.  Was  called  for,  and  well  received.  Herr 
Sclineider  came  to  express  his  admiration  in  a  state  of  great  excitement ; 
he  said  that  he  had  observed  to  two  elderly  gentlemen  in  the  boxes 
that  he  constantly  read  in  English  newspapers  the  "decline  of  the 
drama,"  the  "  great  days  of  the  drama  that  are  gone  "  ;  but,  he  would 
ask,  when  was  there  such  a  drama  as  this?  Englishmen  do  not  think 
so.  Stanfield  and  Forster  came  into  my  room.  Notes  from  Bulwer 
about  a  dress  for  this  fancy  ball ;  from  Jerdan  ;  an  envelope  enclosing 
copious  extracts  from  certain  newspapers,  Spectator  and  Age,  I  believe, 
abusive  of  me  was  sent  to  me.  I  crushed  them  up  and  threw  them 
into  the  fire. 

April  26th. — Lords  Douro  and  Charles  Wellesley  called  about  the 

dress  of  the  latter.    Showed  them  the  armour  and  gave  Eord  C.  W 

directions  what  to  do.  Colonel  Wilde  came  shortly  after  on  the  same 
errand.  Bulwer  called  and  tried  on  some  dresses;  fixed  upon  that  of 
Ruthven. 

April  Ttth. — Milnes  called  and  I  gave  directions  about  his  dress  for 
the  fancy  ball. 

April  28th. — Lord  Charles  Wellesley  called  about  his  dress.  I  left 
him  with  the  wardrobe-keeper.  Colonel  Wilde  came  on  the  same 
errand.  Attended  to  business  with  scene-painters,  wardrobe,  etc. 
Very  much  fatigued.  After  dinner  wrote  a  letter  to  Marianne  respect- 
ing a  state  visit  to  the  theatre  by  Her  Majesty.  Note  from  Bulwer 
about  his  dress. 

April  29th. — Rehearsed  with  care  the  play  of  Hamlet.^  Acted 
Hamlet  very  fairl}-.  Dined  with  the  Royal  Academy.  Enjoyed  the 
dinner  very  much,  though  suffering  from  cold.  Spoke  with  the  differ- 
ent Academicians,  who  were  all  most  courteous  to  me,  with  the  Bishop 
of  Norwich  a  long  while.  Lord  Longford,  Lord  Normanby,  etc.  Much 
pleased  AvitJi   the  speech   of  the   French   Ambassador,^   and  not  (juite 

*  The  cast  was  :  King,  Mr.  G.  Bennett ;  Polonius,  Mr.  Compton  ;  Laertes,  Mr.  Elton  ; 
Horatio,  Mr.  Graham  ;  Guiltlenstern,  Mr.  Lynne ;  Rosencrantz,  Mr.  Selby ;  Osric.  Mr. 
Hudson  ;  Marcellus,  Mr.  M.irston  ;  First  Grave-digger,  Mr.  Keeley ;  Ghost,  Mr.  Phelps ; 
Queen,  Mrs.  Warner ;  Ophelia,  Miss  P.  Morton.— (w/e  dj'  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 

'  Lc  Comtc  d'Aulaire. — {note  bv  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 

i66 


1842]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

satisfied  with  the  general  tone  taken  as  to  the  relative  merits  of  British 
and  foreign  art.  Wondered  at  the  want  of  idea  in  the  old  Duke's 
strange  reply.  Disgusted  with  Sir  R.  Peel,  who  first  read  his  catalogue 
during  the  President's  speech,  and  then  yawned  without  disguise. 

May  1st. — Read  Mr.  C.  Mathews's  speech  on  the  closing  of  Covent 
Garden ;  it  was  wortliy  of  Mr.  C.  Mathews  and  "  the  management  of 
Madame  Vestris."     Players!   poor  players! 

May  2nd. — I  see  the  Queen  will  not  connnand.  She  has  no  feeling 
for  the  theatre.  Wrote  a  few  lines  to  Dickens.  Went  to  Drury  Lane 
theatre.  Milnes  called  about  his  dress.  I  did  all  I  could  for  him.  He 
went  as  a  steward  to  my  dinner.  I  am  glad  of  the  power  of  showing 
him  civility. 

May  2rd. — Babbage  called  about  the  Duke  of  Somerset's  dress. 
I  could  not  help  him  out.  Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre ;  found  notes 
from  an  attorney  about  a  theatre  bill ;  another  from  a  Mr.  Barry,  an 
actor  of  Birmingham,  informing  me  that  persons  had  been  applying 
to  him  to  become  a  witness  on  my  trial  v.  Dispatch  upon  the  grounds 
that  he  had  been  "  very  violently  disposed  of  "  by  me,  when  killed 
as  the  King  in  Hamlet  at  Birmingham,  and  that  he  should  thereupon 
be  subpoena'd  to  give  testimony  to  the  "  brutality  of  my  conduct  to 
actors,"  that  the  parties  were  going  about  collecting  evidence,  etc. 
I  answered  it,  not  objecting  to  any  truth,  but  thinking  it  scarcely 
right  that  I  should  be  answerable  for  the  events  of  a  scene  of  violence 
in  acting,  etc. 

May  1th. — Note  from  Lord  Normanby  about  armour,  which  I 
lent  to  him.  Saw  a  Mr.  Ryder  ^  rehearse  two  scenes  of  Pierre,  and 
thought  he  showed  more  promise  of  becoming  a  useful  actor  than  any 
novice  I  had  seen  for  a  long  time.  Engaged  him.  Colonel  Buckley 
(six  feet  three  inches!)  called  about  a  dress.  I  did  my  best  for  him. 
Darley  called  and  showed  me  his  preface  to  Plighted  Troth,  which  will 
come  out  next  week. 

May  Sth. — Called  on  Sir  R.  Comyn  ^  ;  very  glad  to  see  my  old 
acquaintance  again,  very  little  altered,  older,  but  not  showing  it  very 
much.  Called  on  Darley,  and  took  him  in  the  carriage  with  me.  Left 
a  card  at  LansdoAvne  House.  Called  at  Lady  Blessington's  ;  sat  with 
her  some  time.     A  Avhite  man  was  there,  whom  I  did  not  know,  but 

*  John  Ryder  (1814-1885)  ;  the  well-known  actor;  this  engagement  initiated  a  long 
connection  between  Macready  and  Ryder,  who  accompanied  the  former  in  his  visits  to 
America  in  1843  and  1848. 

*  Sir  Robert  Buckley  Comyn  (1792-1853);  an  Indian  judge;  Chief  Justice  of  Madras 
from   1835  to  1842. 

167 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1842 

whom  I  iina(2:ine  to  have  been  Mr.  Chorley  ^ ;  he  never  spoke  one  word 
the  wliole  time  I  stayed.  Read  Marino  Falicro  in  the  carriage.  Went 
to  Bulwer's — walked  round  the  grounds.^  A  dinner-party  of  journal- 
ists and  critics  (!)  assembled — Leigh  Hunt,  Bell  of  the  Atlas,  Ains- 
worth,  Forster,  Jerdan,  Blanchard ;  there  Avere  also  Quin  and  Villiers, 
M.P.  for  Wolverhampton.  One  of  the  dullest,  most  uncomfortable 
days  I  have  spent  for  some  years.  I  asked  Quin  once  the  time ;  he 
said,  "A  quarter-past  nine;  you  thought  it  was  eleven."  I  was  not 
very  well  pleased  with  Bulwer  inviting  me  to  indifferent  company 
and  a  very  bad  dinner,  when  I  could  so  much  more  pleasantly  and 
profitably  have  emplo3'ed  my  time  at  home  or  elsewliere. 

May  10th. — Milnes  called  about  his  dress,  tried  it  on.  Rehearsed 
part  of  Marino  Falicro,  which  promises  to  act  well,  but  which  I  fear 
will  be  too  much  for  me  in  the  time ;  consulted  Serle  and  Jones  about 
it,  and  as  to  the  financial  consequence  of  not  doing  it.     Withheld  the 

advertisement  to  make  an  effort.     A  letter  from  asking  the  loan 

of  £20.  If  she  had  had  any  heart,  she  might  have  married  me  at 
sixteen  years  of  age,  she  was  a  coquette  and  utterly  heartless — poor 
thing !  I  am  very  sorry  for  her.  Acted  Gisippus  fairly.  Called  for 
and  well  received. 

May  11th. — Woke  early,  and  applied  myself  in  bed  to  the  words 
of  Marino  Falicro.  Continued  until  twelve  o'clock,  and  mastered  all 
except  part  of  one  scene  in  act  five.     Looked  at  newspaper.     Answered 

Miss  ,  enclosing  her  £5.     "Oh  heaven!  that  we  might  read  the 

book  of  fate!  "  Who  would  have  supposed,  when  I  was  a  boy,  whose 
desperate  love  for  this  girl  was  played  with  by  her,  that  our  fates 
would  ever  have  so  placed  us ! 

Mai/  12f/i. — After  the  play  went  to  the  Queen's  theatre  to  see  a 
man  of  the  name  of  Fuller  do  the  Clown.  It  was  a  dreadful  endur- 
ance. What  places  these  minor  theatres  are !  Surely  it  is  the  duty 
of  a  Government  to  have  some  care  of  the  decency,  if  not  the  moral 
influence  of  places  of  public  amusement,  both  of  which  were  set  at 
naught  by  the  exhibitions  before  and  behind  the  curtain  at  this 
disgusting  place  of  obscene  and  ribald  absurdities. 

May  litli. — The  Twisses,  Goldsmids,  Sir  John  Wilson,  Sir  Rol)crt 
Comyn,  Chilton,  Dclane  junior,  Harness,  Leslie,  Fanny  Ilowarth 
came  to  dinner. 

May     15th. — Lord     Beaumont,      Rogers,     Sheil,     Eastlake,      and 

*  Henry  Folhergill  Chovley  (1808-1872)  ;  the  musical  critic. 

*  Bulwer  was  then  occupying  his  villa  at  Fulham. 
168 


1842] 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 


Mrs.  Norton  dined  with  us.     A  party  in  the  evening  which  went  ofT 
flatly. 

May  llth. — Forster  called  and  read  me  part  of  Dickens's  letter 
from  Niagara.  He  is  disgusted  with  the  Americans,  and  I  must  admit 
they  leave  their  defenders  a  very  had  case !  ^ 

^  Shortly  afterwards  Mncready  received  the  following  letter  from  Dickens,  which  discloses 
his  impression  of  America,  as  it  then  was,  with  characteristic  vigour — 

"  O/i  board  the  Steamboat  from  Pittsburg  to  Cincinnatti. 
'■'  Friday  Night,  April  \,  1842, 

"  (Which  will  account  for  tremulous  writing.) 

"IMy  dear  Macready, 

"  But  that  I  know  from  constant  experience  that  there  are  seasons  and  many 
seasons  in  a  life  of  excitement  and  hard  work  when  a  man  needs  all  the  manhood  he  has  in 
him  not  to  give  in,  and  to  keep  on  doing  the  labour  he  has  to  do  in  this  doing  world,  and  facing 
the  weather,  whatever  it  be,  bravely,  I  should  quarrel  with  you  for  your  despondent  letter 
in  which  I  do  fear  certain  rotten  sins,  called  Sunday  newspapers  and  certain  rotten  creatures 
with  men's  forms  and  devils'  hearts,  (saving  the  demoniac  ability)  called  writers,  have  greater 
part  and  share  than  they  should.  I  have  been  thinking  all  day,  as  we  have  been  skimming 
down  this  beautiful  Ohio,  its  wooded  heights  all  radiant  in  the  sunlight,  how  can  a  man 
like  Macready,  fret  and  fume  and  chafe  himself  for  such  lice  of  literature  as  these.  You  may 
say  that  they  are  like  lice  for  another  reason  besides  their  manners,  because  they  live  in 
people's  heads.  I  do  not  believe  it.  I  have  no  faith  in  their  influence  good  or  bad,  I  put 
no  trust  in  them  for  good  or  evil.  Associating  you  with  my  recollections  and  meditations  in 
this  and  all  other  journeys  and  becoming  more  and  more  mindful  at  such  times,  if  that  can 
be,  of  the  images  with  which  you  have  stored  my  brain  and  the  human  energies  and  great 
passions  you  have  set  before  me,  and  remembering  the  stamp  and  substance  you  have 
expressed  on  unsubstantial  thoughts,  I  have  wondered  a  hundred  times  how  things  so  mean 
and  small,  so  wholly  unconnected  with  your  image  and  utterly  separated  from  the  exercise 
of  your  genius  in  its  effects  on  all  men,  can  for  an  instant  disturb  you. 

"Fine  talking,  you  will  say,  and  so  it  is,  for  I  know  the  vague  desire  to  take  somebody 
by  the  throat  which  is  consequent  upon  the  discharge  of  these  pigmy  arrows.  But  it  is  not 
the  more  rational  because  I  have  felt  it  also.  And  I  vow  to  try  and  overcome  it  and  gain 
the  victory  by  being  indifferent  and  feeling  my  own  worth  and  bidding  them  whistle  on, 

"The  theatre,  Forster  tells  me,  is  doing  well.  Everybody  tells  me,  it  is  doing  well. 
You  yourself  don't  say  that  it  is  doing  ill.  In  the  joint  names  of  Hercules  and  the  Waggoner 
cheer  up  then  !  The  work  will  not  always  be  so  hard.  You  won't  always  take  it  so  much 
to  heart.  My  mind  misgives  me  that  you  have  been  living  too  long  on  chops  and  that  you 
don't  take  enough  'Rosy'  to  drink  and  that  you  are  altogether  in  what  Beau  Tibbs,  with 
another  meaning  in  his  mind,  would  call  'a  horrid  low  way.'  But  if  EUiotsou  be  the  man 
I  take  him  to  be,  (and  if  he  be  not,  the  whole  human  race  wear  masks  and  dominoes,)  he  will 
already  have  administered  the  necessary  restoratives.  lie  will  have  said  that  you  must  and 
shall  have  regular  dinner  times.  He  will  have  spoken  emphatically  of  nourishing  meats, 
generous  drinks,  and  healths  five  fathoms  deep  to  the  distant  Dickens.  He  will  have  created 
a  new  office  in  the  theatre  and  appointed  to  it  a  strictly  virtuous  female  whose  function  is 
to  come  upon  the  stage  at  12  at  noon  bearing  in  her  hand  a  tumbler  glass  containing  the 
yolk  of  a  new  laid  egg  discreetly  mixed  with  Golden  sherry,  concerning  which  the  stage 
direction  sliall  be,  '  !\Iacrcady  drinks,  Mnack  his  lip>,  and  become  refreshed.' 

"Seriously,  my  dear  Macready,  no  man  can  work  in  mind  and  body  long,  unless  he  uses 

169 


THE   DIARIKS    OF   M  ACRE  AD  Y  [1842 

May  Idth. — Rested  and  acted  Lord  Townley  very  fairly.     Miss  H. 
Faucit  was  very  had  and  no  mistnlce.     Called  for  and  well  received. 


a  dining-table  as  Christians  should.  I  have  always  thoroughly  abominated  and  abjured 
those  nasty  Hemminp;  chops.  Old  Parr  never  dined  off  chops,  or  in  his  dressing-room. 
Chops  and  cheerfulness  are  impossible  of  connection,  but  joints  and  joy  are  clearly  related, 
and  port  and  peace  go  hand  in  hand.  Do  say  in  your  next  that  you  have  left  off  eating  with 
your  fingers  on  weekdays  and  have  taken  to  knives  and  forks  again.  Do  say  that  you  are 
better  and  heathfully  disposed,  but  not  unless  you  really  are  so.  And  never  acknowledge  to 
yourself,  so  shall  your  affectionate  confidence  have  no  occasion  to  acknowledge  to  me,  that 
in  the  smallest  angle  of  your  heart  you  ever  framed  that  wish,  or  thought  twice  that  thought 
which,  seriously  entertained  for  but  one  moment's  space,  would  give  pain  in  heaven  to  the 
spirit  of  your  own  child.  We  received  your  letter  and  that  of  your  dear  wife  and  sister  with 
all  our  other  epistolary  treasures  this  morning,  most  fortunately  and  opportunely  just  before 
we  left  Pittsburg.  We  have  been  looking  for  them  painfully  these  many  days  and  if  they  had 
arrived  but  four  and  twenty  hours  later,  would  have  gone  on  our  way  with  heavy  hearts.  The 
steamer  that  brought  them  had  a  terrible  passage,  her  engine  was  disabled  and  she  came  on 
with  her  sails.  They  carry  but  two,  and  neither  is  larger  than  a  T.  R.D.L.  flat.  I  mean 
one  of  a  pair.  She  staggered  into  Halifax  and  a  stationary  steamer  brought  on  her  mails 
and  passengers. 

"I  will  not  tell  you  of  our  route,  for  1  have  written  at  some  length  to  Forster  and  he 
will,  no  doubt,  read  my  letter  to  you,  nor  will  I  tell  you,  for  the  same  reason,  of  my  extra- 
ordinary success  in  magnetizing  Kate.  I  hope  you  will  be  a  witness  of  that  many,  many,  many, 
happy  times.  I  have  not  changed,  I  cannot  change,  my  dear  Macready,  my  secret  opinion  of 
this  country,  its  follies,  vices,  grievous  disappointments.  I  have  said  to  Forster  that  I  believe 
the  heaviest  blow  ever  dealt  at  Liberty's  head  will  be  dealt  by  this  nation  in  the  ultimate  failure 
of  its  example  to  the  earth.  See  what  is  passing  now  !  Look  at  the  exhausted  treasury.  The 
paralyzed  Government,  the  unworthy  representatives  of  a  free  people,  the  desperate  contests 
between  the  North  and  the  South  ;  the  iron  curb  and  brazen  muzzle  fastened  upon  every 
man  who  speaks  his  mind,  even  in  the  Republican  Hall  to  which  Republican  men  are  sent 
by  a  Republican  people  to  speak  Republican  truths.  The  stabbing  and  shootings  and 
coarse,  and  brutal  threatenings  exchanged  between  Senators  under  the  very  Senate's  roof — 
the  intrusion  of  the  most  pitiful,  mean,  malicious,  creeping,  crawling,  sneaking  party  spirit 
into  all  transactions  of  life — even  into  the  appointments  of  physicians  to  pauper  madhouses — 
the  silly  drivelling,  slanderous,  wicked,  monstrous  Party  Press.  I  say  nothing  of  the 
egotism  which  makes  of  Lord  Ashburton's  appointment  the  conciliatory  act  of  a  fjenighted 
Government ;  nothing  of  the  boastful,  vain-glorious  spirit  which  dictates  a  million  of  such 
absurdities  and  which  Is  not  English.  I  love  and  honour  very  many  of  the  people  here,  but 
the  'mass'  (to  use  our  monarchial  term)  are  miserably  dependent  in  great  things  and 
miserably  independent  in  small  ones.  That's  a  truth  and  you  will  find  it  is  so.  The 
nation  is  a  body  without  a  head,  and  the  arms  and  legs  are  occupied  in  quarrelling  with 
the  trunk  and  each  other  and  exchanging  bruises  at  random.  God  bless  you,  my  dearest 
friend,  a  hundred  times,  God  IjIcss  you !  I  will  not  thank  you,  (how  can  I  thank  you  I)  for 
your  care  of  our  dear  children  ;  liul  I  will  ever  be,  heart  and  soul, 

"Your  faithful  friend 

"Charles  Dickens. 

"P.S.  — I  need  not  say  that  I  have  many  pleasant  things  to  say    of  America.     God 
forbid  that  it  should  be  otherwise.     I  speak  to  you  as  I  would  to  myself.     I  am  a  lover  of 
l"reed(in  di  apprinied.     That's  all!  I  am  carrying  this  letter  on  to  Cincinnatti  to  send  to 
Boston  from  there." 
170 


1842]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

May  20t/i. — Weary,  weary !  Rose  with  prayers  in  my  heart  for 
the  success  of  the  night's  experiment.  Rehearsed  witli  much  care 
(what  occupied  a  long  morning)  the  play  of  Marino  Faliero.  Rested 
and  thought  over  my  character.  I  could  not  sleep.  Acted  Marino 
Faliero  in  parts  very  well ;  the  interest  of  the  play  grew  upon  the 
audience,  and  the  curtain  fell  upon  the  death  of  Faliero  with  their 
strong  sympathy.     Was  called  for  and  very  warmly  received. 

May  22nd. — Mr.  and  Mrs.  Everett ;  Sir  Jolin  and  Miss  Goldsmid  ; 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Emerson  Tennent ;  Barry,  R.A.  ;  Sir  M.  A.  Shee,P.R.A. ; 
Edwin  Landseer,  R.A. ;  and  Uarley  dined  with  us.  We  had  an  even- 
ing party,  Staudigl,  Miss  Hawes,  T.  Cooke,  etc.  Gi-attan  Cooke, 
Miss  Williams  (beautiful  duet  singers),  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lover,  the 
Fonblanques,  Twisses,  Lady  Stepney,  Elliotson,  Babbage,  Wheatstone, 
Carlyle,  Miss  Wild,  Marstons,  William  Smith  (Athelwold),  Procters, 
C.  Buller,  E.  Katers,  Sir  Charles  and  Lady  Morgan,  H.  Skerrett,  Mr. 
Nightingale,  Dunn,  Nicholson,  Maclise,  Forster,  Kenyon,  Boxall,  Z. 
Troughton,  Browning,  etc.  An  agreeable  dinner  party  and  a  very 
pleasant  evening. 

May  23rd. — Through  the  day  gave  every  interval  of  thought  to 
the  speech  I  had  to  deliver  at  night.  Rehearsed  the  play  of  Othello. 
Heard  of  some  paragraphs  in  the  papers  about  summonses  being  served 
upon  me  for  rates — the  first  I  had  heard  of  it.  I  was  very  angry. 
Last  night  of  the  season.  Laboured  through  the  day  to  get  the 
speech  into  my  head,  had  overmastered  it,  but  was  so  oppressed  with 
fatigue  of  mind  and  body  that  I  could  not  keep  ray  eyes  open ;  rested 
for  about  haU'-an-hour.  Acted  lago  very  unfinishedly,  very  poorly. 
Spoke  my  speech  falteringly  and  ill.  I  have  had  too  much  upon  my 
head.  Fox  and  Forster  came  into  my  room.  I  was  so  nervous, 
for  all  recollection  of  the  words  left  me  entirely.  I  had  too  much 
to  do. 

May  26th. — Took  leave  of  my  assembled  dear  ones — the  blessed 
ones — and  went  to  the  railway  station.  Had  one  of  the  mail  carriages 
to  myself  all  the  journey  except  from  Coventry  to  Birmingham 
where  my  companion  was  a  middle-aged  man,  dressed  to  a  point  of 
exactness  with  moustache  and  royale  oiled  to  points  which  curled  up 
at  considerable  distance  from  his  face — a  sort  of  Chinese  exquisite,  and 
these  are  men ! — men,  to  whom  God  has  given  reason — they  are 
soldiers,  to  whom  the  country  gives  bread  and  place,  heroes  (in  their 
own  estimation)  to  whom  the  world  gives  fame ! !  !  I  am  sick  of  it — 
the  whole  great  orbicular  humbug.     Read  The  Rceriiiting  Officer  of 

171 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1842 

Farquhar,  which  does  not  suit,  the  theatrical  genius  of  our  time.  Read 
The  Ticin  liivals,  in  which  there  is  very  much  to  admire,  part  of  The 
Plain  Dealer,  in  which  there  is  much  more.  Arriving  at  Liverpool  at 
seven  o'clock  (!)  I  went  down  to  the  packet  and  got  a  sofa  for  my  berth. 
The  evening  was  mild  and  calm.  I  remained  on  deck  talking  with 
Hudson  till  nine  o'clock  and  then  lay  down.  I  listened,  when  woke 
out  of  my  doze,  to  the  politics  of  some  neighbours,  the  captain,  a 
Dublin  citizen,  etc.,  over  their  whisky  punch,  the  captain's  reasons  for 
the  law  of  primogeniture,  all  ending  and  beginning  in  his  wish  that 
there  should  be  a  head  of  the  family.  Thus  advances  reason — and  with 
it  civilization. 

Duhlin,  May  ^Tith. — Reached  Kingstown  in  the  clear  grey  morn- 
ing about  seven.  What  numberless  recollections — as  old  as  thirty-nine 
years  ago ! — alas ! — and  what  various  associations  from  books  and 
traditions  do  the  various  points  of  view  call  up  to  my  mind.  How 
l)ountiful  is  God  !  This  very  exercise  of  the  mind  is  an  enjoyment,  if 
we  could  but  be  sensible  of  it ! 

May  ^8th. — Heard  that  Mr.  Yates  ^  could  not  live  a  fortnight; 
liis  disorder  lias  turned  to  rapid  consumption.  Poor  man,  he  was 
dreadfully  terrified  at  the  idea  of  dying — he  is  now  more  composed. 
It  is  an  awful  thing,  but  being  part  of  every  life,  I  trust  I  shall  meet 
it  like  a  reasonable  man.  It  is  the  fear  of  death,  not  death  itself, 
that  is  really  dreadful.  Acted  Virginius  unequally — though  striving 
to  do  well.  The  actors  were  very  remiss.  I  was  angry,  but  not  with 
them,  unbeseemingly  so.     Was  called  for  and  well  received. 

May  ^9th. — I  called  at  Morrison's  Hotel  to  inquire  after  and  leave 
my  name  for  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Yates.  I  did  not  respect  him,  but  I  feel 
for  her,  poor  suffering  woman,  and  for  him,  and  believe  that  any 
show  of  sympathy  or  pity  is  sweet  and  sohicing  to  us  under  such 
affliction.     I  have  felt  it  so. 

May  SOth. — Went  to  theatre,  rehearsed  Gisippus ;  very,  very 
wearied.  Wrote  a  short  note  to  Catherine.  Rested,  felt  wearied 
even  to  illness.  Acted  Gisipi)us  better  than  I  have  ever  yet  done,  so 
well,  that  I  think,  if  I  could  have  given  the  same  truth  and  effect  to 
it  the  first  night  in  liOndon,  it  must  have  attracted,  and  yet  who  can 
say?     Called  for  and  very  well  received. 

Maji  31sf. — Called  on  Miss  H.  Faucit,  and  gave  her  some  general 
notions  respecting  I^ady  Macbeth,  of  which  she  rehearsed  a  part  with 
me.     Dined  with  John  Twiss.     Met  a  Mr.  Hayes  or  Haynes,  who  has 
'  Ficdtrick  Ilcnry  Vales,  the  actor. 
172 


1842]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

been  much  with  the  Duke  of  Wellington — I  fancy  on  the  Commissariat, 
a  Mr.  Booth,  also  with  him,  and  a  Mr.  Frith,  an  old  Dutcli  friend 
of  John's.  I  listened  with  much  patience  and  some  amusement  to  the 
dogmas  of  these  Conversative  politicians,  and  cease  to  wonder  at  the 
little  sense  and  justice  among  mankind,  when  I  hear  such  principles 
of  Government  laid  down  or  defended.     I  was  very  quiet. 

June  1st. — Spoke  to  Miss  Faucit  about  her  habit  of  acting  with 
her  arms  in  to  her  side,  and  thus  bringing  herself  so  close  to  another 
person  as  to  destroy  all  outline;  also  about  her  smothering  up  the  last 
scene.  She  behaved  very  weakly  upon  these  kind  and  good-natured 
remarks,  and  I  thought  would  have  had  an  hysteric  in  my  room.  I 
was  distressed  and  annoyed. 

June  2nd. — Looked  at  the  paper,  filled  with  accounts  of  the  stated 
attempt  on  the  Queen's  life — a  few  passing  words  given  to  the  loss 
of  a  boat  laden  with  cockles,  which  was  swamped  in  Menai  Strait  and 
twelve  men  perished.  God  help  the  poor  families  of  these  poor  men, 
say  I.  I  am  glad  no  mischief  happened  to  the  Queen,  but  my  sym- 
pathies are  with  my  kind — with  humanity.  Went  to  rehearsal  of  Lady 
of  Lyons.  Spoke  a  few  words  with  Calcraft,  asking  him  if  he  thought 
Miss  H.  Faucit  might  accompany  me  to  Glendalough,  if  her  maid 
went  with  her.  He  thought  there  could  then  be  no  observation. 
Acted  Claude  Melnotte  very  well  to  a  dull  audience,  commanded  by 
the  Lord  Lieutenant. 

June  2rd. — Rehearsed  Marino  Faliero — which  is  acted  so  badly  that 
I  can  expect  no  eifect  from  it.  This  company  is  certainly  a  justifica- 
tion for  the  citizens  of  Dublin  on  the  score  of  taste  in  deserting  the 
theatre — a  full  and  perfect  justification.  Dined  with  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Hulton ;  was  delighted  with  the  beauty  of  the  scenery,  commanding 
a  most  charming  view  of  the  Wicklow  Hills.  Met  at  dinner  their 
family,  a  very  charming  one — a  Mr.  Kennedy ;  Colonel  Jones  ;  Captain 

;  Mr.   McCulloch,  Trinity  College,   etc.     I  delighted  to  find  in 

them  warm  lovers  of  art,  and  became  quite  at  home. 

June  4t/j. — Looked  at  the  paper,  in  which  I  saw  that  Bishop,^  the 
composer  of  some  very  pretty  airs,  glees,  overtures,  and  ojieras,  had 
been  knighted  especially  by  the  Queen.  This  mere  idealess  administerer 
to  the  pleasures  of  a  sense  (as  Carlyle  says,  what  does  it  all  mean  ?)  is 
honoured,  according  to  Court  and  (iovernment  diction,  A\hile  men  who 
have  enriched  the  minds  of  their  fellow-men  with  new  thoughts,  have 
quickened  and  elevated  kind  and  noble  feelings  by  the  effects  of  their 

*   Sir  Henry  Rowley  l^ishop  (1876-1855)  ;  tlie  eminent  composer. 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1842 

iatcllccl  ami  imagination;  in  fact,  Pods — like  Knowles,  Wordsworth, 
etc. — are  passed  by  as  ignaruin  pecus.  Agh  !  !  !  I  am  sick  ol'  the  whole 
rotten  mass  of  stupid  corruption.  Letter  from  darling  Neddy,  wliich 
is  sunshine  to  my  heart,  and  they  may  bray  kings  and  queens  in  mortars 
whilst  I  can  have  such  holidays  of  the  heart  as  these  letters  give.  Heard 
from  Calcraft  of  Miss  Adelaide  Kemble's  purposed  marriage ;  not  sur- 
prised and  not  moved  at  all  by  it.  Rehearsed  with  great  pains  and 
excessive  trouble  and  annoyance  Marino  Faliero. 

June  5th. — Went  in  the  carriage  at  a  quarter  before  eight  o'clock  to 

Calcraft's  and  took  him  up.    He,  Miss  H.  F ,  her  maid,  and  myself. 

We  left  Dublin  for  Glendalough  by  the  Military  Road,  and  till  we 
reached  the  glen  the  clouds  were  so  heavy  on  the  hills  that  we  could 
see  nothing.  We  lunched  very  cheerfully  and  happily  as  we  went  along, 
and  as  we  arrived  at  Glendalough  the  day  cleared  and  we  obtained  a 
view  of  the  full  mountain  forms.  The  air,  the  motion,  the  music  of 
the  sounds,  the  repose  from  thought  and  the  sight  of  health,  beauty, 
and  happiness  did  me  good.  ^Ve  followed  our  guide  to  the  seven 
churches,  the  Round  Tower,  the  Kevin's  bed,  the  waterfall,  etc.,  and 
in  all  we  were  all  happy.  The  scenery  was  most  sad  and  stern  and 
beautiful.  I  was  disappointed  in  my  ride  to  Bray,  which  is  a  pretty 
place,  and  where  we  dined. 

June  6th. — Languid,  wearied,  and  country-sick,  utterly  indisposed 
to  labour,  I  rose  to  my  task  this  morning.  Attended  to  the  affairs 
of  my  room.     Found  letters  from  Serle  on  business;  from  my  cousin 

.     This  made  me  still  more  sad,  and  low  in  spirits — recalling  to 

me  the  years  of  my  full  youth,  when  in  all  the  plenitude  of  spirits  I 
was  wont  to  give  my  evenings  occasionally  to  her  and  her  sisters  at 
my  uncle's  house,  and  only  discovered  at  my  parting  from  them  that 
she  really  loved  me.  Alas !  for  the  innocent  sufferings  of  this  life ! 
What  is  she  now,  poor  girl  ?  Saw  in  the  paper  a  favourable  account 
of  Marino  Faliero.  Rehearsed  Macbeth  ;  was  very  much  struck  with 
Miss  Faucit's  rehearsal  of  Lady  Macbeth,  which  surprised  and  gratified 
me  very  much.  Acted  Macbeth  as  well  as  my  harassed  mind  and 
worn-down  body  would  let  me.  Called  for  and  well  received.  Would 
have  taken  on  Miss  Faucit,  but  she,  against  my  directions,  had 
undressed,  ;o  left  her  to  Calcraft.  Spoke  with  Calcraft  and  her  after- 
wards about  her  BeneHt — and  with  her  about  her  acting,  which  was 
rcinarkablii  goofl. 

June  9f/j.— Looked  at  the  newspaper,  and  tiiought  what  a  world  of 
utter  deceit,  delusion,  and  falsehood  this  is.     Great  God  !  where  is  there 


1842]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

truth  ? — where  will  it  ever  be  found  on  earth  ?  It  never  will.  The 
world  is  one  great  lie.  Bishops,  statesmen,  lawyers,  soldiers,  lords, 
chartists,  all  unworthy  to  be  men — I  sicken  at  the  contemplation. 
Rested  a  very  short  time.  Acted  Werner  to  a  wretched  house  in  my 
very  best  style.  Called  for  and  well  received.  Spoke  vith  Calcraft. 
He  tells  me  his  daughters  are  proud — proud !  !  Mighty  iieaven — of* 
what?     Spoke  to  Helen  Faucit  about  Portia. 

June  10th. — Looked  at  the  papers.  Read  the  suicide  of  Lord 
Congleton — Sir  H.  Parnell.^  I  scarcely  wonder  at  thinking  men  weary- 
ing of  life,  but  it  is  so  short  that  there  is  little  wisdom  in  incurring 
the  risks  attendant  on  ante-dating  our  doom.  Rehearsed  Tlie  Merchant 
of  Venice.     This  company  of  actors  is  too  bad. 

June  11th. — Looked  at  the  papers ;  discontented  with  all  I  saw- 
there.  Read  a  paragraph  of  Peel  on  his  knees  at  prayer !  !  Let  him 
do  right  and  justice  to  his  fellow-men  and  then  stand  up  and  thanh 
God.  Bought  a  waistcoat  for  Forster — gay  one! — poplins  for  my 
women.  Acted  Gisippus  as  well  as  a  disgusting,  ill-bred  party  in  the 
stage  private  box  would  let  me  by  their  noise.  Called  for  and  well 
received. 

June  l^th. — Rose  very  early  for  our  day's  journey  into  Wicklow. 
Called  for  Miss  H.  Faucit  at  seven.  Called  for  Calcraft,  who  was  not 
ready,  and  went  on  our  way  rejoicing  through  the  pretty  village  of 
Dundrum,  by  the  Scalp,  through  Enniskerry,  all  scenes  of  beauty; 
by  Rathdrum  to  the  Meeting  of  the  Waters  and  to  the  Vale  of  Avoca, 
which,  with  its  distant  prospect  of  Arklow  and  the  sea,  is  in  its  kind 
as  beautiful  as  a  scene  well  can  be.  We  lunched  on  our  route  near  the 
Sugar-loaf  Hill ;  were  very  merry  and  very  happy.  Delighted  with  what 
we  saw  around  us.  Passed  through  Rathdrum,  where  we  changed  horses, 
and  continued  our  route  to  the  Meeting  of  the  Waters.  Ascended  the 
hill  behind  the  house  at  Ovoca,  and  enjoyed  a  most  delightful  view. 
Returned  by  Newtown  Mount  Kennedy,  a  continual  succession  of  rich 
and  lovely  scenery,  through  the  Glen  of  the  Downs. 

June  ISth. — Acted  to  a  wretched  house — my  benefit — as  well  as  I 
could.  Between  the  fourth  and  fifth  acts  received  a  letter  that  quite 
overturned  me ;  it  announced  to  me  the  death  of  Dr.  Arnold  ' — tlie 

^  Henry  Brook  Parnell  (1776-1842)  ;  fourth  baronet  and  first  Lord  Congleton;  an 
advanced  Whig  and  holder  of  subordinate  offices  in  Lord  Grey's  and  Lord  Melbourne's 
Administrations  ;  an  authority  on  finance  and  political  economy  ;  his  suicide  was  the  result 
of  continued  ill-health. 

*  Thomas  Arnold  (1795-1842) ;  the  famous  Rugby  head  master. 


THE   DIARIES   OF    MACREADY  [1842 

great  and  good  man,  who  has  left  few,  very,  very  few,  behind  him  who 
could  at  all  compare  with  him.  God  will  bless  him.  My  prayers  for 
sudi  a  man  would  be  almost  an  impiety,  but  my  heart's  wishes  rise 
towards  God's  throne  for  him. 

Birmingham^  June  Wth. — Read  the  newspaper,  receiving  sensations 
of  inelfable  disgust  at  the  paper  itself — that  most  disgusting  twaddle, 
the  Morning  Herald — and  at  all  the  high  (very  high  in  a  game  sense) 
world,  the  individuals  of  which  it  commemorates. 

June  21st. — Lydia   wrote  to   me   chiefly   about  the   lamented   Dr. 

Arnold.     Great  God  !  if  a  miserable  wretch  like  or  any  of  these 

heartless  traffickers  in  humbug  were  to  die,  whole  columns  of  news- 
papers would  be  given  to  the  record  of  their  great  and  good  qualities. 
This  man,  one  of  the  greatest  benefactors  of  his  kind,  goes  from  among 
us,  and  six  lines  relate  his  death,  his  occupation,  and  the  family  he  has 
left  behind.  Does  the  world — or  the  world  of  wealth — deserve  such 
men!  Oh,  when  will  Humanity  rise  up  and  assert  itself?  When  will 
the  holy  vengeance  of  a  world  mash  its  canting  and  griping  oppressors  ? 
''  Make  speed,  O  Lord,  to  save  us ;  make  haste,  O  Lord,  to  help  us  "  ! 
Rehearsed  Gisippusy  and  pointed  out  to  Mr.  Anderson  the  actual  son 
of  Crumndes  among  the  actors — not  to  be  mistaken.  Called  on  Helen 
Faucit  and  spent  a  very  pleasant  hour  with  her.  Wrote  to  Letitia  and 
to  Catherine.  Looked  at  the  paper,  only  to  receive  disgust  again  at 
the  farce  that  is  still  kept  up  in  the  Houses  of  Parliament  to  amuse  a 
starving  population.  To  obtain  the  name  of  patriot  in  olden  times, 
much  sacrifice,  whether  of  ease,  of  comfort,  of  wealth,  of  limb  or  life, 
was  evidence  or  claim  to  the  title.  Who  is  a  patriot  in  these  days? 
Sir  R.  Peel,  Lord  Stanley,  Sir  J.  Graham,  Gladstone,  Lord  J.  Russell, 
or  who?  Sick — sick  of  things  and  courts  and  all  the  vile  jugglery, 
blasphemy,  and  blinding  of  a  people.  Thought  how  popular  one  might 
make  readings,  by  good  selection — Pope's  works  :  The  Dying  Christian 
to  his  Soul;  Dryden's  St.  Cecilia\'!  Daji,  From  Harmony,  Sir  J.  Moore, 
etc.     These  things  might  strike  even  unpoetical  minds. 

June  ^^nd. — Note  from  .     The  means  adopted  to  place  her 

heart  in  a  state  of  repose — to  satisfy  her  affection,  as  she  said  and,  I 
am  sure,  believed,  appears  now  to  me  only  to  add  fuel  to  the  ardour 
of  her  passion.  I  now  again  lapse  into  doubt  and  fear,  and  in  youth, 
I  begin  to  imagine,  there  is  no  love  without  an  intermingling  of  sexual 
love.     It  is  therefore  dangerous,  and  to  he  avoided. 

June  23/J. — Wrote  a  few  lines — wishing  to  direct  her  views  to  the 

danger  of  losing  sight  of  her  understood  relationship  with  me — to . 

176 


1842]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

Acted  William  Tell  with  a  company  that  would  have  strangled  tlie 
efforts  of  Roscius  himself.  Heard  that  the  jury  had  given  a  verdict  of 
£5 — Macready  v.  Dispatch  !! !  Another  evidence  of  English  law  and 
English  justice.  A  profligate  journal  of  extensive  circulation  strains 
its  powers  of  abuse  to  ruin  me,  a  hard-working,  well-meaning  man. 
The  fine  is  £5.  If  I  had  horsewhipped  the  scoundrel,  they  would  have 
given  £500  against  me !  My  philosophy  is  not  proof  against  this,  I 
do  not  think  there  is  justice  in  this  country — I  have  not  found  it.  I 
am  really  sickened  with  the  utter  absence  of  truth  throughout  the  social 
system  that  tyranny  and  priestcraft  have  built  up.  I  do  not  wonder 
at  the  few  men  who  act  in  desperation  doing  so  ;  I  wonder  that  the  down- 
trodden mass  does  not  rise  up.  It  is  a  world  of  suffering ;  but  why  we 
should  have  no  choice  in  being  a  part  of  it  is  what  I  cannot  comprehend. 
My  state  of  mind  is  one  of  agony.     But  it  is  all  right,  of  course ! 

June  24t/i. — Wedding  Day.  Passed  a  sleepless  night !  For  all  the 
enjoyment,  the  comfort,  the  delight,  the  happiness  this  day — eighteen 
years  ago — has  brought  to  me,  I  thank  God,  and  next  I  bless  the  dear, 
dear  earthly  cause  and  participator  in  my  worldly  bliss — my  blessed 
Catherine.  Sweet  letters  of  congratulation  from  my  four  eldest 
children,  which  much  delighted  me. 

To  London,  June  Q6th. — Packed  up  my  clothes,  etc.,  paid  my  bill, 
and  set  out  by  railway  to  Rugby.  A  very  roue  and  low  couple  were 
put  into  my  coupe,  but  I  could  not  read,  and  dozed  through  the  greater 
part  of  my  journey.  Walked  from  the  station  to  Rugby,  where  almost 
all  traces  of  my  boyish  days  are  obliterated  in  the  improvements  of  the 
town.  Called  on  Birch,  and  was  glad  to  find  him  so  well ;  agreed  to 
dine  with  him,  and  went  on  to  call  on  INIary  Bucknill.  I  saw  her, 
Lydia,  Sam,  George,  Mr.  S.  Bucknill  and  Georgiana.  Sat  witii  them 
till  one  o'clock.  Heard  from  them  most  interesting  details  of  Doctor 
Arnold's  death.  I  was  very  much  touclied  with  the  sad  but  beautiful 
account  they  gave  me  of  his  last  moments,  and  the  conduct  of  his  wife. 
Dined  with  Birch,  three  of  the  little  Winstanleys  being  at  the  table. 
He  also  related  some  pleasing  anecdotes  of  Arnold.  He  walked  witli 
me  down  to  the  railway  station,  and  stayed  with  me  till  the  train  came 
up.     Found  all  well  at  home. 

London,  June  ^9th. — Willmott  informed  me  that  he  had  heard 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  C.  Mathews  had  been  closeted  for  several  hours  each  day 
at  Covent  Garden  theatre  with  Mr.  Robertson  and  Mr.  Bunn,  and 
that  some  persons  engaged  at  the  E.  O.  H.  had  said  that  Vestris,  etc., 
were  to  resume  the  management  at  Covent  Garden  theatre,  and  that 

VOL.  II.  N  177 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1842 

they  were  engaged  by  her  !  1  The  tidings  staggered  me.  Told  Serle, 
who  came,  the  news  of  Vestris.  He  evidently  could  not  disbelieve  it ; 
we  resolved  tliat  he  should  see  them  this  evening.  I  was  lying  on  the 
sofa  when  a  person  entered  abruptly,  whom  I  glanced  at  as  Forster? — 
no.  Jonathan  Bucknili? — no.  Who  was  it  but  dear  Dickens  holding 
me  in  his  arms  in  a  transport  of  joy.     God  bless  him  !  ^ 

July  1st. — I  am  not  well ;  weak  and  worn  in  body,  and  depressed 
in  mind  ;  its  elasticity  seems  gone  ;  I  have  no  spirits,  no  ardour ;  hope 
gives  me  no  strength  ;  my  course  seems  near  its  close.  I  often  have 
sensations  that  make  me  feel  indifi'erent  to  this  world.  Will  there  be 
a  knowledge  in  another  state  of  being  of  those  we  have  loved  in  this  ? — 
if  so,  and  if  we  may  love  them  in  spirit  and  without  reserve,  I  could  be 
well  content  to  change  the  present.  Letter  from  Bulwer ;  discontented 
that  I  cannot  aford  to  do  Richelieu  at  present  at  Drury  Lane  theatre. 
Answered  him.  I>ooked  at  paper;  read  Lord  Malion's  and  Gaily 
Knight's  advocacy  in  the  House  of  Commons  of  the  abolition  of  the 
patents.  When  they  were  in  mere  adventurers'  hands  these  men  were 
silent ;  now  the  art  is  ruined,  and  needs  more  than  ever  protection,  they 
step  forward  to  give  it  a  coup  de  grace.  Called  on  Helen  Faucit ; 
talked  to  her  of  Lady  Macbeth  and  Constance. 

July  Slnd. — Helen  Faucit  called,  in  very  good  spirits.  The  sight 
of  her  cheerfulness  imparted  its  influence  to  me. 

July  Srd. — After  breakfast  called  on  Elliotson,  reading  Tennyson's 
beautiful  poems  by  the  way.  Consulted  him  on  my  indisposition ;  he 
prescribed  for  me,  scarcely  giving  me  any  medicine,  and  that  only 
conditionally. 

July  4fth. — Note  from  .     It  is  written  in  all  the  confidence  of 

unreserved  affection,  as  if,  happy  in  her  security  from  evil,  she  enjoyed 
the  power  of  pouring  out  her  heart  to  me.  May  God  bless  her,  and 
may  she  never  feel  otherwise  than  purely  happy  in  all  her  thoughts 
of  me.     W^nt  in  cab,  reading  Alfred  Tennyson's  beautiful  poem,  to 

see  .     I  was  truly,  truly  rejoiced  to  leave  her  in  so  comfortable 

a  state  of  mind.  She  said  she  felt  so  happy,  now  that  she  was  secure 
in  her  understanding  with  me,  that  she  could  speak  to  me  without 
restraint.  I  left  her  in  a  very  cheerful  and  comfortable  mood,  thank 
God.  I  hope  her  own  l)elief  that  her  irreproachable  relationship  to 
me  will  conduce  to  her  happiness  may  be  proved  just,  or  that  she  may 
make  a  happier  change  in  her  heart's  affection. 

Eastbourne,  July  Sth. — Read  several  poems  of  Tennyson.  Some 
'  Dickens  lad  just  returned  from  hi*;  American  tour. 

178 


1842]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

I  liked ;  some  I  thouglit  puerile  ;  some  evincing  a  mean  airectation  of 
simplicity.  Rested.  Read  some  passages  in  the  Excursion.  Took  a 
very  delightful  walk  with  dearest  Catherine.  The  children  went  to 
meet  Willie,  who  was  expected  by  the  coach.  He  arrived  in  very  good 
spirits.  God  bless  him.  After  tea,  read  some  ballads  from  "^Jennyson 
to  the  children.     Read  passages  in  the  Excursion. 

July  9th. — A  very  amusing  letter  from  Dickens.  After  dinner  read 
Tennyson,  whom  I  think  very  unequal,  and  rested.  Was  very  heavy, 
having  broken  in  upon  my  teetotal  experiment.  Read  a  little  from  the 
old  poets.     After  tea  read  some  short  poems  to  the  children. 

Julji  10th. — Letter  from  ,  in  an  altered  tone  from  that  which 

she  has  lately  used  to  me.  I  am  uncertain  of  the  cause,  but  shall  be 
too  glad  to  know — although  my  feelings  towards  her  have  undergone  no 
change — that  she  has  subdued  all  that  was  too  painfully  strong  in  her 
attachment  to  me.  Wrote  to  Stanfleld  about  As  You  Like  It  and 
King  Arthur.  Enjoyed  the  air,  and  sea,  and  sky;  enjoyed  the  melan- 
choly of  my  thoughts,  as  I  watched  the  vessels  with  their  freight  of 
human  care  and  passion  ;  felt  the  beauty  of  all  around  me,  and  felt 
with  it  the  little  of  life  that  is  left  me  to  enjoy  it.  This  has  been  an 
idle  day.  Mr.  Domville  walked  home  from  church  with  Catherine  and 
the  children.  Katie  went  to  church  for  the  first  time  to-day.  Read  a 
little  in  the  course  of  the  afternoon,  but  spent  the  far  greater  part 
of  it  in  the  garden. 

July  11th. — Went  in  a  gig  to  Brighton;  the  morning  made  the 
drive  over  the  downs,  through  Seaford  and  Newhaven,  very  pleasant. 
Where  is  beauty  wanting  in  this  world,  if  we  do  but  choose  to  see  it  ? 
Waited  an  hour  and  a  quarter  for  the  railway  train  at  Brighton,  reading 
Philip  Van  Artevelde,  the  first  part  of  which  I  finished  before  I  reached 
London.  Went  over  to  the  Bank  and  received  my  dividends,  from 
which  the  Income  Tax  was  deducted.^  Bear  on,  ye  free  people, 
enslaved  to  the  worst  cant  that  ever  stultified  mankind.  Went  to  my 
own  home  ;  found  several  letters  of  little  importance,  one,  in  a  very 
melancholy  mood,  from . 

London,  July  l^th. — Mrs.  Dickens  and  Miss  Hogarth  called  ;  wished 
us  to  dine.  Letitia  and  Susan  ^  agreed  to  go.  I  declined,  but  promised 
to  come  in  the  evening.  Read  E.  Morton's  farce,  which  is  droll,  but, 
I  fear,  too  broad.  Went  to  Dickens ;  found  Landor,  Maclise,  and 
Forster   there.      Dickens    had   been    mesmerizing    his    wife    and    Miss 

^  The  income-tax  was  at  tliat  time  insignificant  compared  with  its  present  rate. 
*   His  wife's  sister. 
N  2  179 


THE    DIARIES    OF   M  ACRE  AD  Y  [1842 

Hogartli,  who  had  been  in  violent  hysterics.  He  proposed  to  make  a 
trial  on  me ;  I  did  not  quite  like  it,  but  assented  ;  was  very  nervous, 
and  found  the  fixedness  of  the  position — eyes,  limbs  and  entire  frame — 
very  unpleasant,  and  tlie  nervousness  at  first  painful.  Reasoned  myself 
out  of  it,  and  tlien  felt  it  could  not  aflect  me. 

Jtihi  I2th. — My  blessed  Joan''s  Birthday.  My  first  thoughts  were 
of  that  beloved  child,  who  lives  in  my  memory  as  something  angel-like 
in  its  innocence  and  beauty.  I  think  of  her  with  a  sorrow  and  a  love 
that  seems  to  me  stronger  than  my  feelings  are  to  any  of  those  dear 
ones  whom  God  has  spared  me ;  but  it  is  possible  I  may  mistake  the 
exact  emotion  which  I  cherish  towards  that  beloved  infant.  May  my 
spirit  meet  hers  in  another  state  of  being.  I  hope  and  pray  it  may  be 
so.  Amen.  Went  to  the  cemetery  at  Kensal  Green  to  visit  the  vault 
where  she  lies.  Blessings  on  her  sweet  spirit.  Went  by  railway  to 
Brighton.  Finished  on  my  journey  the  beautiful  dramatic  poem  of 
Philip  Van  Artevelde. 

Eastbourne,  Jxdy  14t/t. — Felt  the  beauty  of  the  morning  and  the 
scene,  and  the  delight  of  its  tranquillity.  Read  a  most  charming  letter 
from  Miss  Martineau.  W^hat  a  truly  great  and  excellent-hearted 
woman  that  is !  How  little — how^  very  little  does  one  feel  before  her 
virtue  and  wisdom  !  Letters  from  Browning  and  T.  Cooke.  Gave  the 
morning  to  the  consideration  of  the  plan  and  estimates  of  the  scenery 
for  King  John,  by  Telbin.  Wrote  a  letter  to  him  with  an  offer  of 
£250  and  directions  for  several  scenes.  Lay  down  upon  the  grass  after 
dinner  to  rest ;  the  sea  was  very  beautiful. 

July  16t/t. — Letters  from  Bulwer  proposing  to  me  the  story — or 
rather  a  story  made  up  from  the  history  of  Richard  Ncvill,  Earl  of 
Warwick — for  a  tragedy.  The  departure  from  history  is  never,  I 
think,  effective  in  the  drama,  and  I  do  not  feel  Bulwor's  power  to  be 
in  the  higii  tragic  vein.  I  wish  he  would  not  think  of  it,  for  he  cannot 
succeed  in  it.  Took  a  short  run  on  the  sands  with  tlie  children  after 
breakfast,  then  returned  to  the  continuation  of  King  John,  whicii  I 
applied  myself  strictly  to  and  completed  by  the  afternoon.  Pleased 
\\ith  the  beauty  of  the  evening  and  the  scene  around  us.  Gave 
Willie  his  lesson  in  V^irgil  and  in  scanning,  read  his  hymn  to  him, 
and  iieard  him  read.  Heard  Nina  repeat.  Went  again  over  King 
John,  and  arranged  cast,  etc.  Began  the  arrangement  of  .4.s  You 
J  Alee  It. 

July  19//<. — A  letter  from  ,  that  gave  me  the  deepest  concern; 

from   a  state  of  coiniiarative   liealth   it   struck  me  down   into  illness  at 

i8o 


1842]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

once.  My  nerves  were  unstrung,  my  head  in  pain,  and  my  spirits  pain- 
fully depressed  the  whole  day.  She  is  fretting  her  heart  with  self- 
upbraidings  for  her  affection  to  me ;  when  the  understanding  has  been 
established  between  us  that  this  affection  shall  never  violate  any  time, 
law  or  propriety,  but  be  an  attachment  purely  of  heart  and  mind,  and 
that  such  understanding  seemed  to  make  her  so  very  happy,  I  am  quite 
at  a  loss  to  divine  the  cause  of  this  change.  God  bless  and  protect 
her.  Wrote  to  her.  Rested  after  dinner ;  very  unwell,  very  unhappy. 
Read  Tennyson,  which  has  grown  monotonous,  and  Beaumont  and 
Fletcher  for  a  subject  for  Bulwer. 

July  25£7?. — Read  the  paper.  Saw  in  it  that  on  Lord  Palmerston's 
observation  on  the  possible  need  of  Parliament's  reassembling  in 
October  on  account  of  the  general  distress,  Sir  J.  Graham — the 
renegade ! — observed,  "  We  shall  be  pheasant-shooting  in  October !  " 
And  these  men  are  governors  and  legislators  of  a  people !  Mighty 
Heaven !  .  .  .  Read  the  opening  of  the  pantomime,  which  seems  safe 
but  expensive.     Wrote  to  Lady  Blessington. 

London,  July  ^Ith. — Tried  to  understand  the  Income  '^I'ax  i)aper, 
which  perplexed  and  annoyed  me.     Oh,  brave  Britons ! 

July  29f/i. — Went  out  in  good  time ;  called  on  Dickens,  Avho  gave 
me  his  introductory  chapter  to  his  book  on  America.  I  do  not  like  it. 
Went  on  to  Stanfield  ;  sat  with  him  some  time,  talking  over  the  scenery 
of  As  You  Like  It  and  King  Arthur.  Read  Dickens's  letter  on  the 
mines  and  collieries,  which  I  like  very  much. 

Eastbourne,  July  Slst. — Examined  as  strictly  as  I  could  the  prob- 
able expenditure  for  Drury  Lape  tlieatre  before  tiie  opening,  and  tlie 
means  to  meet  it.  It  is  very  heavy  to  encounter,  but  I  have  no  retreat ; 
I  take  the  precaution  to  know,  as  far  as  I  can,  the  just  amount  of  what 
I  may  be  called  upon  for.  With  the  aid  of  God's  blessing  on  my 
efforts  I  iwrpe-to'^prosper ;  I  pray  God  I  may,  more  on  account  of  my 
dearest '  children  than  for  myself.  During  the  afternoon  I  walked, 
played,  and  afterwards  read  with  my  children. 

August  6th. — Went  with  Catherine  and  the  children  to  see  the 
castles  of  Hurstmonceux  and  Pevensey,  as  a  sort  of  holiday  in  celelira- 
tion  of  dear  Willie's  birthday,  which  occurs  to-morrow.  Was  much 
interested  by  the  happiness  of  my  darling  children  on  our  ride,  and 
pleased  with  the  picturesque  appearance  of  the  ruins  of  Hurstmonceux. 
The  fate  of  the  unhappy  young  man,  Lord  Dacre,  who  was  executed 
for  the  death  of  a  gamekeeper — an  imprudent  frolic  occasioning  the 
tragical    result — pressed   on    me,    as    I    walked   through    the    extensive 

l8i 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1842 

remains.  It  was  delightful  to  see  the  enjoyment  of  my  dear  children. 
Looked  at  the  church,  where  are  some  monuments.  Saw  the  old  strong- 
hold of  Pevensey,  its  church,  and  returned  home  to  dinner.  Found 
letters  from  Miss  Hamilton  Smith,  from  Mr.  Manvcrs,  from  Helen 
Faucit  (who  has  not  been  well,  jioor  girl),  enclosing  one  from  Mr. 
P.  Farren,  written  in  a  very  good  spirit.  Gave  Nina  her  lesson,  which 
she  did  not  do  well ;  she  was  penitent,  and  I  heard  her  the  remainder. 
Rested  a  little.  Read  the  reign  of  John  in  Lingard's  History.  Played 
with  the  dear  children.  Read  John's  reign  in  Hume's  History. 
Finished  my  letter  begun  last  niglit  to  Colonel  Hamilton  Smith.  Wrote 
to  Mr.  Manvers. 

London,  August  llth. — Read  part  of  Dickens's  Atncrica,  the  style 
and  matter  of  which  /  did  not  like. 

August  Wth, — Looked  over  my  Drury  Lane  expenditure,  and  cal- 
culating how  much  it  has  cost  me,  find  that  I  am  minus  what  I  should 
have  i^ossessed — £8000.  This  is  a  sad  contemplation — the  earnings  of 
a  life  of  labour !  I  certainly  never  intended,  never  dreamed,  never 
agreed  to  be  made  liable  to  such  an  amount.  I  was  to  risk  nothing  but 
what  I  diose.  I  have  been  ensnared  or  betrayed  by  the  lax  conduct — 
as  bad  to  me  as  fraud — of  the  committee  of  proprietors.  X1700 — my 
ready  money — was  all  I  ever  contemplated  hazarding.  My  hope  is  in 
God  alone.  To  Him  I  address  my  prayers — at  least  for  my  blessed 
wife  and  children.  How  gladly  would  I  die  at  once  to  secure  them 
what  I  could  now  leave  them,  if  my  death  would  save  them  from 
difficulty  or  distress. 

August  2dth. — On  my  way  to  London  I  read  Marston's  tragedy 
of  the  Patrician^s  Daughter,  which  is  a  most  interesting  and  touching 
play ;  I  will  act  it,  if  I  am  prosperous. 

August  31.sf. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Mr.  Mark  Lemon  ^ 
came  with  the  Punch  pantomime.  I  spoke  to  him  on  Mr.  Mayhew's 
plays,  and  at  last  gave  him  the  two  notes  I  had  written  to  Mr,  Mayhew 
upon  them.  He  read  me  the  pantomime.  I  did  not  fancy  it.  We 
discussed  some  points  of  agreement ;  he  left  me  to  bring  me  an  answer 
upon  them  in  an  hour  from  his  colleagues.  I  spoke  with  Serle  and 
Willmott  upon  it,  first  having  Serle's  opinion  on  the  propriety  of 
admitting  Willmott  into  the  confidence.  I  read  the  pantomime  to 
them.  They  both  thought  it  had ;  as  a  pantomime,  T  thought  so  too. 
Mr.  M.  Lemon  returned.     After  some  conversation  I  returned  him  the 

*  Mark  Lemon  (1809-1870) ;  .the  first  qditor  of  Punch,  from  1841  to  1870;  also  at  onq 
time  eflilor  of  Once  a  IVeek,  ari'l  the  Favtily  Herald. 
182 


1842]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

book,  and  it  was  agreed  if  Covent  Garden  did  not  accept  the  opening, 
we  should  have  the  refusal  of  the  harlequinade. 

September  6th. — Uncomfortable  thoughts;  made  angry  by  a  paltry 
impertinence  in  the  publication  of  Punch — a  poor  pleasantry  by  a  set 
of  low-mannered,  ignorant,  and  ill-conditioned  men,  who  rejoice  in  the 
miserable  Jerrold  as  their  captain ;  they  abuse  all  they  envy. 

September  Sth. — Looked  at  the  paper  in  which  was  mentioned  the 
rumoured  death  of  the  King  of  Hanover/  Will  there  be  one  hand  in 
the  whole  world  to  drop  a  flower  on  his  tomb?  Will  there  be  one 
breast  to  heave  a  sigh  for  him?  Nero  v. as  mourned  better  than  I  think 
he  will  be.  Found  letters  at  theatre  ;  the  first  I  opened  was  from  poor 
Anderson,  most  affectingly  telling  me  of  the  death  of  his  eldest  child-. 
God  help  him.  My  heart  bleeds  for  him  and  his  poor  wife  ;  I  was 
very  much  moved.  I  wrote  to  him  immediately,  enclosing  him  £50  as 
he  wished.  I  felt  all  he  must  be  suffering,  and  all  he  has  yet  to  bear 
before  he  can  regain  serenity.  The  loss,  the  sorrow  for  it  is  for  life ; 
at  least,  such  is  mine  for  thee,  my  blessed  and  beloved  child.  Blessed 
be  thy  angel  spirit,  and  may  I  yet  meet  thee,  dear,  precious  being ! 

September  10th. — Thought  angrily  on  that — to  me — offensive 
subject,  the  slander  which  Mr.  Thesiger  heaped  upon  me.  As  if  to 
hold  up  to  my  own  eyes  the  indiscretion  of  wasting  mind  or  feeling  on 
such  subjects,  there  was  a  notice  on  law3ers  in  the  Literary  Gazette,  in 
which  Mr.  Thesiger  was  especially  quoted  as  the  fee'd  panegyrist  of 
Lord  Hertford  and  Nicholas  Suisse !  Adding  to  that  his  praise  of 
Mr.  Bunn,  I  think  one  cannot  be  too  grateful  for  his  abuse.  Arranged 
my  accounts,  wrote  a  cheque  and  enclosed  it  in  a  note  to  Mr.  C.  Jones. 
September  20th. — Went  to  see  Norma.  Miss  A.  Kemble  played 
Norma.  It  was  a  very,  very  clever  performance,  entitled  to  the 
highest  praise  for  the  skill  and  energy  with  which  it  is  done;  but,  oh, 
heavens !  an  Opera !  That  human  beings  can  be  found  to  disregard 
Shakspeare,  and  run  after  such  nonsense  !     What  must  be  the  nature 

^  It  was  a  false  report.  As  Duke  of  Cumberland,  the  king's  unpopularity  in  this  country 
was  excessive,  and  his  death  would  undoubtedly  have  evoked  a  feeling  the  reverse 
of  sorrow.  How  he  was  generally  regarded  is,  perhaps,  best  expressed  in  a  remark 
by  Lord  Palmerston  that  "to  be  well-abused  by  the  Duke  of  Cumberland  is  no  mean  prai~; 
to  any  man."  George  IV,  too,  when  asked  the  secret  of  the  duke's  unpopularity  replied  : 
*'  It  is  this — if  a  father  stands  well  with  his  son,  or  a  husband  with  his  wife,  or  a  lover  with 
his  mistress,  the  Duke  of  Cumberland  is  sure  to  come  between  them  and  make  mischief." 
Recent  publication?  have  revealed  the  shocking  scandal  connected  with  his  sister  the 
Princess  Sophia,  his  implication  in  which  should  have  entailed  his  expulsion  from  all  decent 
society.  Curiously  enough,  he  proved  a  satisfactory  ruler  in  Hanover,  where  he  earned  the 
esteem  if  not  the  affection  of  his  subjects. 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1842 

of  a  medium  of  expression  that  strips  every  comedy  of  its  laughter,  and 
every  tragedy  of  its  pathos?     I  was  wearied  and  disgusted  with  it. 

September  24t/?. — General  Palmer  ^ — alas!  poor  man — called  on  me 
with  a  sort  of  pretence,  but  in  reality  to  ask  me  if  I  could  lend  him  £10. 
I  told  him  that  really  I  could  not  say  I  had  not  £10,  but  that  I  was 
not  in  a  condition  to  lend  it.  About  £500,  that  I  procured  for  Mr^. 
McC ,  he  borrowed  never  to  repay !     Poor  man  ! 

September  QHth. — Received  a  very  charming  letter  from  Adelaide 
Kemble,  that  gave  me  a  high  opinion  of  her  intellect,  as  I  already 
entertained  such  of  her  disposition.  Spoke  to  Mrs.  Nisbett  of  some 
effects  I  had  thought  of  for  her ;  she  was  very  much  obliged.  Spoke 
to  Keeley  about  the  character  of  Touchstone ;  as  he  always  does,  he 
"  thought  he  had  done  so  " — it  was  not  what  he  intended. 

October  1st. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre,  calling  at  Delcroix's  to 
purchase  rouge.  Attended  to  the  business  of  the  theatre,  which  was 
most  harassing.  Rehearsed  the  play  ol  As  You  Like  It,  which  kept 
me  very  late.  Business,  business  all  the  day  and  all  the  evening.  Was 
called  for  by  the  audience  before  the  play  began  ;  was  very  enthusiastic- 
ally received.  Our  play  of  .4s  You  Like  It  opened  our  season.  May  it 
be  a  prosperous  one.  I  acted  Jacques  as  well  as  I  could.  Was  called 
for  after  the  play,  and  led  on  Mrs.  Nisbett.^  Stanfield  and  my  own 
people  came  into  my  room.  Spoke  to  Mrs.  Keeley,  thanking  her  for 
acting  Lucy  for  me.  Very  much  wearied.  I  trust  in  God  that  this  is 
an  ausf)icious  commencement. 

Oeiriber  ^nd. — In  a  state  of  very  uneasy  doubt  as  to  the  effect  of 

*  Charles  Palmer  (1777-1851)  ;  formerly  of  the  lOth  Lij^ht  Dragoons  ;  a  member  of  the 
Carlton  House  set;  M.P.  for  Bath  (1808-1826  and  1830-1837).  His  father,  proprietor 
of  the  Bath  theatre,  was  the  projector  of  mail-coaches,  and  the  Government  adopting  the 
system,  rewarded  him  with  a  sum  of  ;^ 50,000,  most  of  which  was  lost  by  his  son  in  a  vine- 
yard speculation,  the  failure  of  which  he  attributed  to  Lord  Yarmouth  (afterwards  the 
"Steyne"  Lord  Hertford)  who  at  a  dinner-party  given  at  Carlton  House  for  the  purpose  of 
trying  the  product  (a  rather  light  claret)  maliciously  depreciated  it,  thereby  causing  the 
Regent,  who  at  first  praised  the  wine,  to  pronounce  against  it.  The  consequence  was  that 
Palmer  sunk  large  sums  in  trying  to  enrich  the  vintage,  but  without  result.  He  was 
eventually  reduced  almost  to  beggary,  living  principally  on  small  loans  levied  on  his  former 
associates. 

*  The  cast  was:  Duke,  Mr.  Ryder;  First  Lord,  Mr.  Ellon;  Second  Lord,  Mr.  H. 
Phillips;  Amiens,  Mr.  Allen;  Jacques,  Mr.  Macready ;  Duke  Frederick,  Mr.  G.  Bennett  ; 
Lc  Beau,  Mr.  Hudson;  Oliver,  Mr.  Graham;  Jaques  (son  of  Sir  Rowland),  Mr.  Lynne  ; 
Orlando,  Mr.  Anderson  ;  Adam,  Mr.  Phelps ;  Touchstone,  Mr.  Keeley ;  William,  Mr, 
Compton  ;  Pages,  Miss  P.  Horton  and  Miss  Gould  ;  Rosalind,  Mrs.  Nisbett ;  Celia,  Mrs. 
Stirling;  Phebe,  Miss  Fortescue  ;  Audrey,  Mrs.  Keeley.  In  the  playbill  Mrs.  Nisbett  and 
Mr.  Ryder,  Madame  Vestris  and  Mr.  Charles  Mathews,  were  announced  as  the  additional 
engagements  of  the  season. — {ttoic  by  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 

184 


1842]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

the  play  last  night  from  the  circumstance  of  not  having  heard  any- 
thing of  Forster.  Mrs.  Dickens  and  Georgina  ^  called  ;  stayed  a  siiort 
time  with  them.  Forster  called.  He,  as  Mrs.  Dickens  had  done, 
expressed  himself  delighted  with  the  play  last  night.  Dickens  called — 
in  the  same  tone. 

October  3rd. — Saw  the  other  papers,  which  were  cold  !  If  I  succeed 
I  owe  them  nothing.  Very  uneasy,  very  Ioav  in  spirit ;  very  unhappy 
at  the  view  that  seemed  to  lie  before  me.  Was  cheered  to  hear  that 
the  house  was  looking  well.  Acted  Hamlet,  with  the  endeavour  to 
do  well,  but  not  satisfying  myself.  Was  called  for  and  well  received. 
Was  very  much  gratified  with  the  house. 

October  5th. — Acted  Marino  Faliero  nervously,  but  I  am  losing  my 
art  in  attending  to  the  people  around  me.  Was  called  for.  Forster, 
Maclise,  and  all  my  people  came  into  my  room.  Letters  from  Captain 
Marryat,  H.  Ellis,  Macleod,  Dillon.  A  volume  of  poems  from  Knox, 
with  a  sonnet  to  myself. 

October  6th. — Looked  at  paper,  a  very  cold  and  discouraging  notice 
of  last  night's  piece.  I  begin  to  fear  that  I  ovght  to  have  pondered 
more  warily  before  I  engaged  in  an  enterprise  of  so  little  hope  and  such 
distressing  labour  as  this,  in  which  luck  is  paramount.  Acted  Jaques 
better  than  I  have  yet  done.  Dickens,  Maclise,  Forster  and  Mr.  Long- 
fellow, a  professor  at  one  of  the  U.S.  Universities,  came  into  my  room. 
Sent  Jones  to  Co  vent  Garden.  Learned  that  their  house  was  very 
good  ;  thus  we  have  an  attraction  established  against  us. 

October  8th. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre,  but  first  looked 
through  Mr.  M.  Lemon's  farce,  which  I  found  to  be  really  objection- 
able as  to  the  part  assigned  to  Mr.  C.  Mathews.  I  was  run  away  with 
by  the  broad  humour  of  the  piece.  Spoke  witli  Helen  Faucit  about  her 
acting  last  night.  Mr.  C.  Mathews  held  a  very  long  and  very  Hilbj 
conversation  with  me,  which  I  tried  to  receive  as  patiently  as  possible. 
I  see  he  is  not  to  be  managed  to  any  advantage.  He  was  obliged 
repeatedly  to  admit  in  the  presence  of  Serle  that  nothing  could  be 
more  kind  or  courteous  than  my  conduct  had  been  to  him.  AVrote 
to  Butler's,  Rugby,  with  a  cheque  for  £10,  for  Dr.  Arnold's  memorial ; 
to  Westland  Marston,  thanking  him  for  his  book  and  apprising  him 
that  his  play  is  coming  out. 

October  Wth. — Serle  came  from  Covent  Garden,  reporting  a  great 
house,   and   puzzled   to   understand   why.     The   understanding   is   not 
difficult.     The    English    is    a    brutish    public,    afi^ecting    a   taste,    and 
^  Miss  Hogarth. 

185 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1842 

therefore  ready  to  be  humbugged,  and  slow  to  understand  good  taste. 
Letter  from  ^Irs.  Nisbett  which  considerably  disgusted  me. 

October  22nd. — The  Duke  of  IJeaufort  called,  and  inquired  of  me 
about  the  deer-skin  I  wanted  for  An  You  Like  It.  He  ^ery  courteously 
and  kindly  said  he  would  send  to  Badminton,  and  if  there  was  not  one 
ready  he  would  desire  his  keeper  to  send  one  cxpres.  It  was  extremely 
kind. 

October  24t/i. — Acted  King  John  fairly.  Called  for  and  very  well 
received.  Gave  out  the  play.^  Serle,  Dickens,  Forster,  Emerson 
Tennent,  Stanfield,  Maclise,  came  into  my  room.  All  pleased.  Helen 
Faucit  much  depressed  and  very  unhappy  at  not  having  realized  the 
expectations  she  had  raised. 

October  25t/i. — Little  refreshed  by  last  night's  rest,  which  was 
attended  with  very  little  sleep,  my  mind  being  full  of  the  evening's 
scenes  and  events.  Looked  at  the  newspapers,  and  read  a  very  eulogistic 
description  of  what  I  had  attempted  to  do,  by  Fox ;  a  very  malignant 
attack  on  me  in  the  Morning  Post  by  a  Mr.  Johnson,  and  a  very 
ignorant,  vulgar  article  in  the  Morning  Herald;  an  ill-written  notice 
in  praise  in  the  Times.  With  such  critical  appreciation  of  my  labours, 
I  begin  to  fear  they  will  produce  little  harvest  of  good.  The  time  is, 
I  fancy,  past.  Helen  Faucit  came,  in  very  low  spirits,  to  speak  to  me 
of  last  night.     Wretched  house  ! 

November  1st. — Mr.  W.  Murray  of  Edinburgh  called.  He 
expressed  himself  delighted  with  the  perfect  representation  of  King 
John,  observing  that  his  '*  master,"  J.  Kemble,  had  only  "  made  a  step." 
Letitia  told  me  of  Mr.  Cecil  Forester,  an  M.P.,  observing  to  Miss 
Meyer  that  the  people  in  Acis  and  Galatea  stretched  out  their  arms 
in  one  passage,  and  its  effect  was  exactly  like  that  at  an  election,  where 
the  dirty  hands  of  the  electors  were  thrust  toward  you,  and  took  aAvay 
from  you  all  power  of  speaking  or  doing  anything!!!  An  English 
legislator !  !  ! 

November  5th. — About  to  begin  rehearsal,  having  seen  Stanfield, 
when  Mr.  C.  Mathews  wished  to  speak  with  me.  Madame  Vestris  fol- 
lowed him  into  my  room  and  began  a  scene  which  lasted  two  or  three 
hours — on  the  lady's  part  much  "'  Billingsgate  "  and  false  assertion,  on 
his  much  weakness  and  equivocation.  I  sent  for  Anderson  and  Will- 
mott,  and  Serle  came  in  afterwards.     Serle  directly  contradicted  his 

•  Tn  Kin>^  John  ?2iton  was  the  Earl  of  Salisbury  ;  Phelps,  Herbert  de  Burgh  ;  Anderson, 
Faulconbridge  ;  Ryder.  Cardinal  Pandulph  ;  Miss  Helen  Faucit  was  the  Lady  Constance. — 
note  hy  Sir  F.  Po/lock. ) 

i86 


1842]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

assertions ;  his  engagement  was  produced  and  was  in  direct  contra- 
diction of  his  statements.  It  was  very  offensive.  I  felt  my  own 
strength  and  was  very  cool.  I  would  not  relinquish  their  engagement, 
but  offered  to  refer  the  pecuniary  point.  She  threw  down  her  part  in 
King  Arthur  and  left  the  room,  stating  that  she  would  not  act  after 
next  week  if  the  full  salary  were  not  paid.  We  sent  for  Cooke  to  take 
measures  about  King  Arthur.  Consulted  on  a  public  refutation  of  her 
falsehoods,  and  after  dinner  drew  up  a  notice  Avhich  was  placed  in  both 
green-rooms. 

November  dth. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Sent  a  note  to 
Stanfield,  requesting  his  presence.  Rehearsed  the  chorus  scene  of 
third  act  of  King  Arthur.  AVas  extremely  displeased  with  the  conduct 
of  Mr.  T.  Cooke  and  others,  and  spoke  very  strongly  to  the  whole 
community,  actors  and  band,  to  the  effect  that  they  were  wanting  in 
proper  feeling  and  duty,  and  that  I  was  indifferent  to  the  carrying  on 
the  theatre,  but  if  the  piece  were  not  ready  for  Saturday,  I  would 
close  the  theatre  till  it  should  be.  Thomas,  the  leader,  told  me  that 
the  band  were  not  paid  last  year,  when  the  actors  were.  I  thanked 
him  for  correcting  me,  and  told  him  that  they  should  be  paid.  Con- 
sulted with  Stanfield  and  council,  and  came  to  the  resolution  to 
postpone  the  performance  to  Thursday  week ;  transacted  business. 
Wrote  the  introduction  to  Elton  for  General  Palmer.  He,  General 
Palmer,  had  called  in  the  morning  to  ask  for  it.  His  object  was 
this  :  he  thought  me  a  very  good  actor  in  some  parts,  but  in  others 
he  tliought  I  was  deficient,  and  in  such  as  Othello,  etc.,  he  believed 
himself  to  be  the  very  best  that  could  be  found  ;  he  would  not  wish 
my  opinion,  as  of  course  having  my  own  particular  views,  but  he 
wished  to  have  that  of  Mr.  Elton,  who  he  heard  was  a  man  of  talent ! 
Poor  man,  I  fear  he  is  nmd!  Heard  that  tlie  Tempest  was  nol  good 
at  Covent  Garden,  and  that  there  was  a  Vestris  attack  upon  me  in 
the  Morning  Post.     Pah! 

November  l^tth. — Acted  King  John  tolerably  well,  was  called  for 
and  well  received.  A  letter  enclosing  a  slip  from  the  Sunday  Times, 
which  was  said  to  be  a  gross  libel  on  me — or,  as  W^illmott  termed  it, 
"awful."  I  was  going  to  put  it  in  the  fiie,  but  handed  it  over  to 
Serle,  not  choosing  to  read  it  myself. 

November  21.sf. — Heard  that  Covent  Garden  was  closed  on  account 
of  Miss  Kemble's  illness.  Read  the  abuse  of  myself  from  the  Sunday 
Times — a  quantity  of  low,  ribald  falsehood,  which  did  not  anger  me 
at  all.     I  believe  it  was  written  to  provoke  a  prosecution. 

187 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1842 

November  22nr/. — After  dinner  went  to  Covent  Garden  and  saw 
the  first  scene  of  the  Tempest.  A  ship  was  introduced  and  all  the 
poetry  cut  out — worse  acting  or  more  inapplicable  means  to  an  end 
I  never  saw. 

November  25t/i. — On  this  day  my  sweet  and  blessed  child  was 
taken  from  us ;  my  little  angel  Joan  was  in  the  last  pains  of  life — two 
long  years  since — at  this  very  time.  My  precious  blossom — my 
sweetest,  loveliest  child.  My  heart  yearns  to  her  even  now,  and  'tis 
something  to  feel  that  in  death  I  shall  be  with  her.  May  God  bless 
her  sweet  pure  spirit.  Amen  !  Received  a  note  from  Dickens  about 
his  prologue,  which  I  answered.  Went  to  the  cemetery  to  look  upon 
the  tomb  where  my  darling  Joan  rests — my  precious,  my  beloved 
child — never,  never  to  be  forgotten.  .  .  .  Heard  very  disgusting  news, 
that  the  infamous  wretch  Bunn  had  been  brouglit  in  as  lessee  of  Covent 
Garden  theatre  by  Messrs.  Moore  and  Surman  ;  that  the  players  were 
succumbing  to  him  and  only  anxious  to  make  their  engagements  with 
him.  The  proprietors  of  Covent  Garden  had  shown  themselves,  as 
usual,  most  dishonourable  men. 

November  29tft. — Questioned  Mr.  Bennett,  and  found  the  call-boy 
a  general  object  of  suspicion  in  the  theatre  as  the  s]>y  reporting  to 
the  Sunday  Times.  Questioned  the  call-boy.  Ryan,  his  father,  a 
penny-liner,  called  to  exculpate  his  son.  I  told  him  if  he  would 
discover  the  traitor  I  would  restore  his  son,  but  that  I  could  not  trust 
him,  etc.  Read  over  some  scenes  of  Mabel  with  Helen  Fuucit.  I  wish 
I  had  not,  for  my  spirits  and  hope  sunk  very  low. 

December  1st. — Acted  Jacques  very  drowsily.  Heard  that  the 
house  of  Covent  Garden  was  well  attended ;  depressed  by  the  tidings, 
as  it  seems  caprice  is  dominant  over  effort.  I  must  learn  to  say 
God's  will  be  done!  Spoke  to  Anderson  about  speaking  Dickens's 
prologue,  which  he  declines  doing.  He  ou^ht  not  to  have  done  so. 
I  fear  his  self-opinion  will  prevent  him  ever  rising  to  the  point  I 
wished.  Tried  to  learn  it  myself.  Talked  long  with  Serle.  Heard 
that  the  Covent  Garden  proprietors  had  engaged  Mr.  Bunn  as  the 
person  most  inimical  to  me !  .  .  .  My  God,  in  Thee  is  my  hope  and 
trust !     Amen ! 

December  5th. — Rehearsed  Patrician^s  Daughter.  Suggested  to 
Marston,  though  without  advising  the  step,  the  attractiveness  to  his 
play  of  making  a  conclusion  a  happy  one.  All  felt  the  same.  He 
undertook  to  make  an  ending  to  submit  to  me.  Business  with  the 
different   departments.     Forster   called    and    spoke   on   the   subject   of 

i88 


A 


1842]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

Marston.  He  agreed  in  tlie  advisability  of  the  alteration.  I  was  not 
^t  all  sure  whether  it  would  be  right  to  do  it.  Acted  King  John 
fairly.  Dickens,  with  Maclise  and  Forster,  came  to  speak  to  me  in 
dissuasion  about  the  alteration  in  Marston's  play.  I  would  not  take 
any  responsibility  on  myself. 

December  1th. — Forster  called  to  ask  my  opinion  upon  a  blustering 
and  silly  letter  of  Spicer's.  Forster  was  just  as  blustering  and  just  as 
silly.  I  was  much  annoyed  by  his  tone  and  remarks.  I  corrected  a 
note  he  wrote  in  reply.  Acted  Jacques  well.  Peel  ^  was  in  the 
theatre  with  his  family. 

December  10th. — Fox  and  Marston  came  in  ;  Marston  went  on  the 
stage  in  obedience  to  the  call.  Note  from  Lady  Morgan,  etc.  First 
night  of  the  Patrician^s  Daughter.  Spoke  the  prologue  (by  Dickens) 
tolerably  well.  Acted  uncertainly  the  part  of  Mordaunt,  but  the 
play  was  much  applauded.  I  was  told  that  I  was  called  for,  and  was 
annoyed  and  disconcerted  to  hear  calls,  which  I  thought  were  for 
Miss  Faucit,  and  which  I  believe  them  to  be,  but  which  they  tell  me 
were  for  the  author.  I  gave  out  the  play  and  left  the  matter  to  settle 
itself.  Dickens  and  Forster  came  in  (I  spoke  a  few  words  to  Helen 
Faucit) — they  thought  it  a  great  success. 

December  11th. — Wearied  down,  heart-sick,  and  depressed  beyond 
the  power  of  rising  against  it,  I  lay  in  bed  very  late.  When  I  rose, 
all  was  the  same.  I  had  answered  a  note  from  Quin  before  I  got  up, 
and  heard  my  darling  children  their  hymns.  Glanced  at  the  news- 
paper. Received  in  the  Planet  a  kind  notice  of  last  night,  but  I 
fear  I  am  growing  "past  cure." 

December  l^th. — Something  better  in  spirits  and  lightness  than 
yesterday,  but  still  little  to  boast  of.  Saw  the  Morning  Chronicle, 
which  was  very  fervent  in  its  praise  of  the  new  tragedy.  Went  to 
Drury  Lane  theatre.  Saw  the  other  newspapers.  The  Morning  Post 
contained  a  most  scurrilous  and  abusive  article,  with  many  false 
statements.  Mr.  Planche  called,  and  I  paid  him  £100.  I  cannot  like 
that  man.  Read  Athexvold,  which  I  like,  but  I  begin  to  doubt  the 
success  of  any  play  now.  The  papers  will  not  go  with  us.  Mr. 
Michell,  the  Morning  Post  man,  would  not  call  here,  but  would  see 
me  at  his  office — where  of  course  I  would  not  go. 

December  14t/i. — Rehearsal  of  pantomime.  Serle  came  to  report 
his  interview  with  Mr.  Michell — who  owned  to  the  article  in  the  Morn- 
ing Post.     Saw  Marston,  who  told  me  that  Mr.  ,  tiio  writer,  was 

^  The  Prime  Minister. 

i8q 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1842 

a  taboo-ed,  caned,  beaten  iellow.  So  much  i'or  this  reptile.  Wrote 
very  civilly  to  Mr.  Alichell,  dismissing  him  i'rom  the  necessity  oi'  using 
our  free  list.     Wrote  to  Bulwer. 

December  Idth. — Acted  Mordaunt  fairly;  was  called  for  and  well 
received.  After  the  play  spoke  in  presence  of  Willniott  and  Serle  to  a 
Mr.  Bonner,  a  musician,  who,  as  Mr.  Thomas  had  reported  to  me, 
had  written  a  letter  to  the  Sunday  Times  describing  himself  as  a 
sufferer  by  my  closing  the  theatre  two  nights.  I  told  him  he  should 
have  his  two  or  four  nights  and  go  out  of  the  theatre.  He  declined 
taking  the  money,  and  said  he  had  acted  so  because  he  was  irritated 
and  disappointed,  and  thought  I  had  accused  him  and  others  of  being 
ungentlemanly  ( !)  but  tliat  he  had  not  done  it  vindictively  !  Signed 
bills — a  large  deficiency,     (iod  help  me ! 

December  Xlth. — Heard  from  Mr.  Beazley,  through  Serle,  that 
the  Queen  had  commanded  the  licence  to  be  given  to  Van  Amburgh  !  ^ 
This  is  a  civilized  country ! 

December  24t/j. — Looked  at  the  paper;  read  the  account  of 
Adelaide  Kemble's  retirement  from  the  stage,  which  was  not  so 
attractive  to  the  public  as  I  had  expected  it  to  have  been.  Received 
a  note  and  purse  from  a  lady  signing  herself  Catherine.  Went  to 
Drury  Lane  theatre.  Dickens  and  Stanfield  were  there  before  me. 
Attended  to  business  of  various  kinds.  Saw  the  rehearsal  of  the 
I)antomime,  which  Dickens  and  Stanfield  thought  in  its  opening  very 
amusing.  Helen  Faucit,  to  my  great  surprise  and  satisfaction,  seeing 
her  in  health,  came  in.  W^rote  a  note  to  Willniott  to  be  sent  to 
him  to-morrow  with  a  silver  snuff-box,  in  which  I  have  enclosed  him  a 
bank-bill  for  ,£20 — in  recompense  of  his  services  during  the  sununer 
vacation. 

December  Qlst. — A  sad,  sad  close  to  a  year  of  labour  and  unrest, 
that  has  strewn  snow  upon  my  head  and  wrung  my  heart.  I  look  back 
with  regret.  My  only  consolation — or  ratiier  defence — is,  that  I  acted 
as  far  as  I  could  see  to  judge,  for  the  best.  God  has  willed  the  result 
to  bo  disastrous.  I  am  His  creature,  and  let  me  teach  my  heart  to  say 
His  will  he  done. 

'  Tlie  lion  tamer. 


I 


190 


1843 

London,  January  \st. — The  year  begins  to  me  with  labour  and 
difficulty,  with  care  and  deep  anxiety.  My  enterprise  thus  far  lias 
only  tended  to  reduce  my  means,  and  I  have  now  adventured  them  as 
far  as  I  think  it  prudent  to  go.  I  will  not  advance  one  farthing  more 
than  I  see  absolute  occasion  for.  I  am  disappointed  and  in  a  pecuniary 
point  of  view  much  -worse  in  the  world  than  I  was  eighteen  months 
ago.  I  will  try  to  retrieve  my  shattered  fortunes,  and  to  God  I  pray, 
for  my  blessed  wife's  and  children's  sake,  that  I  may  labour  Avith  good 
success,  or  that  I  may  die  in  time  to  leave  them  the  means  of  comfort 
when  I  am  gone.  Bulwer  called  and  we  talked  over  the  subject  of  a 
play.     He  is  my  hope  among  authors. 

January  4t/i. — Mrs.  Warner  came  to  mention  some  distressing 
involvements  of  her  husband,  and  to  ask  me  if  I  could  advance  her 
£100.  I  spoke  with  great  kindness  to  her  and  urged  her  to  try  and 
have  the  business  settled  without  calling  on  me,  but  that  to  save  her 
furniture  I  would  accommodate  her,  if  needful.  Received  the  Montlily 
Magazine,  containing  a  most  impertinent  article  upon  the  Patrician's 
Daughter.     Was  angry  for  a  minute. 

January  Gth. — Note  from  Forster,  which  I  answered.  In  it  he 
informed  me  that  the  Duke  of  Sussex  had  very  pleasantly  consented 
to  present  the  testimonial  to  me  next  month.  So  that  my  martyrdom 
is  fixed. 

January  '7th. — Helen  Faucit  came  to  read  over  the  part  of  Imogen. 
She  (to  my  great  surprise!)  was  piqued  about  her  forfeit.  She  became 
at  last  sensible  of  her  error.  She  read  over  the  part  of  Imogen  to  me 
and  I  gave  her  some  suggestions. 

January  Sth. — Wrote  a  note  to  Mr.  Lynne,  explaining  to  him 
that  I  could  not  remit  his  fine,  which  I  was  sorry  to  inflict,  but  enclos- 
ing him  a  cheque  for  £5  to  help  him  to  procure  comforts  for  the  sick 
bed  of  his  wife.     Bulwer  called  with  his  boy,^  a  fine  animated  child, 

'  Edward   Robert   Bulwer  (1831-1891),  second  Faron,  and  first  Earl  of,  Lytton.     The 
well-known  diplomatist  and  litterateur. 

191 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1843 

who  went  up-stairs  with  Wilhe  whilst  we  talked  over  the  subject  of 
j)lays.  Head  two  acts  of  the  French  play  which  IJulwer  had  left  with 
uie — midocTe  et  rampant. 

January  lOtli. — Rehearsed  Cynibelinc ;  especially  disgusted  by  the 
self-sufficient  and  ignorant  conduct  of  Mr.  Hudson,  presuming  to 
refuse  to  sing  the  duet  of  Guiderius — "Fear  no  more."  These 
players ! — oh  !  how  well  they  merit  all  the  indignity  that  can  be  heaped 
upon  them.  The  greater  part  are  miserable  wretches.  Went  to  sit 
with  my  darling  children,  who  had  come  to  see  King  Arthur ;  enjoyed 
their  delight  and  their  remarks.  Returned  home  with  them.  Received 
third  number  of  the  Foreign  Quarterly  Review  from  Forster,  and  a 
note  informing  me  that  he  is  the  editor  and  has  been  for  some  time. 

January  IQth. — Suffering  from  fatigue  and  depression  of  spirits. 
I  fear  that  Fortune  is  about  to  "  change  her  hand  and  check  my  pride." 
It  is  bitter  to  bear  reverse  at  this  time  of  life  and  with  all  my  little 
children  looking  up  to  me,  I  feel  almost  as  in  reproach  !  Rel.earsed 
Werner ;  Serle  and  AVillmott  both  were  in  my  room  a  long  while ;  I 
was  irritated,  "  and  at  this  time  most  easy  'tis  to  do  it,  when  my  good 

stars,  that  were  my  former  guides,  have  empty  left  their  orbs "     I 

hope,  however,  not  without  the  power  of  rising  again,  but  I  am  no 
longer  young,  and  that  I  begin  to  feel. 

January  15th. — Sat  with  dearest  Catherine,  who  was  in  low  spirits. 
I  spoke  to  her  of  America,  of  which  I  begin  noiv  to  think  seriously — 
it  depressed  her.  God  help  us!  Read  the  play  of  Mary  Stuart  by 
Laing,  Carlyle's  friend  ;  wrote  to  him  upon  it ;  it  possesses  much  merit. 

January  ISth. — Mr.  Morton  came  to  ask  for  more  money  for  the 
pantomime — a  thing  which  lay  upon  his  hands  and  which  was  only  to 
be  paid  for  additionally  in  the  event  of  great  and  unequivocal  success. 
Our  success  is  next  door  to  failure!  I  refused  him,  and  he  was  in 
dudgeon.  I  have  no  respect  for  and  a  very  great  dislike  to  him. 
Received  a  note  from  Priscilla  Horton,  informing  me  of  her  contem- 
plated retirement  from  the  stage  at  the  end  of  the  season. 

January  ^Oth. — Acted  Mordaunt  very  fairly.  Called  for.  Helen 
Faucit  spoke  with  me,  somewhat  weakly  and  pettishly,  about  her  dress. 
I  was  not  pleased  with  her  behaviour.  Am  wearied,  sickened  and  dis- 
gusted with  this  employment,  and  bitterly  repent  that  I  ever  lent 
myself  to  it.  I  thought  I  was  doing  for  the  best,  but  I  must  now 
suppose  it  is  God's  will  that  I  should  be  punished  in  the  worst  way — 
by  being  my  own  punisher.  I  begin  to  look  at  the  future  with  fear 
aTid  pail). 
192 


1843]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

January  22nd. — As  a  great  indulgence  and  enjoyment  walked  out  to 
call  on  Dickens.  Wrote  to  Talfourd,  explaining  to  him  my  ignorance 
of  the  indelicacy  shown  to  him  by  the  managing  clerk  of  White  and 
Eyre,  in  sending  him  a  retainer,  and  then  transferring  the  brief  to 
Piatt. ^  Thought  much  on  what  is  to  be  done;  I  want  help  of  head 
and  hand — I  am  alone! 

January  25t/i. — Considered  well  and  read  scenes  of  Athelwold  to 
Catherine,  who  did  not  seem  impressed  with  the  part  of  Athelwold, 
but  very  much  with  that  of  Dunstan.  I  was  shaken  in  my  purpose  as 
to  its  immediate  production,  and  turned  to  Browning's  Blot  on  the 
Scutcheon. 

January  ^6th. — Continued  the  perusal  of  the  Blot  on  the  Scutcheon. 
Looked  at  paper.  Mr.  Grunisen  called  ;  after  some  general  conversa- 
tion he  stated  the  chief  object  of  his  visit  to  be  the  difference  which 
existed  between  myself  and  the  Morning  Post — that  he  had  read  with 
great  regret  the  articles,  which  contained  personalities  that  were 
unjustifiable  and  that  were,  as  was  the  withdrawal  of  the  advertise- 
ments, injurious  to  the  paper ;  that  he  had  remonstrated  with  Mr, 
Michell    upon   them,    who    had    expressed    himself   in   very    respectful 

tenour   of   me,    etc.     He,    Mr.    G ,   wished    for   all    sakes   to    see 

things  on  a  better  footing,  and  either  would  bring  Mr.  Michell  and 
myself  together,  or  if  I  would  send  the  advertisements  and  restore  the 
privileges,  he  would  undertake  nothing  of  the  kind  should  again  occur. 
I  told  him  my  principle  was  always  to  be  on  good  terms  with  all,  if  I 
could.  He  admired  the  spirit  of  defying  the  paper,  etc.,  but  thought 
it  impolitic.  All  was  agreeably  accommodated.  Finished  Blot,  etc. 
Went  over  Athelwold — will  not  do  at  present.  Wrote  to  Serle  for 
Honest  Man's  Fortune.  Received  and  read  it — not  do.  Searched, 
hunted,  ruminated  ;  could  find  nothing. 

January  27t/i. — Low  in  spirits  and  worn  down  in  body.  I  do  not 
know  how  I  am  to  wear  through  this  effort,  but  I  cannot  help  feeling 
that  it  is  very  hard  with  such  endeavours,  such  objects  and  such  means 
I  am  not  more  successful!  But  God's  will  be  done!  Acted  Hamlet, 
with  my  wearied  body  and  mind,  tolerably  well ;  was  called  for  and 
very  warmly  received. 

January  28th. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre,  finishing  by  the  way 

^  Thomas  Joshua  Piatt  (i  798-1 862) ;  afterwards  a  Baron  of  the  Exchequer  ;  an  advocate 
who  had  considerable  success  with  common  juries.  The  proceeding  complained  of  is 
certainly  an  unusual  one,  but  Talfourd  was  a  man  of  many  pursuits,  and  there  was  probably 
some  risk  of  his  not  doing  justice  to  his  case. 

VOL.  II.  O  193 


i 


THE   DIARIES    OF   M  ACRE  AD  Y         [1843 

the  Blot  on,  etc.  Planch^  called  and  seemed  urgent  about  the  accept- 
ance of  his  opera.  Wrote  a  note  with  cheque  for  £100  to  Bulwer. 
Wilhnott,  to  whom,  on  Anderson's  declining,  I  had  entrusted  the 
reading  Blot  on,  etc.,  came  and  reported  to  me  that  they  laughed  at 
it,  and  that  Anderson  passed  his  jokes  on  it — not  very  decorous  for 
an  official!     I  fear — I  fear  this  young  man's  head  is  gone.^ 

January  29f/i. — Browning  called,  told  him  of  the  reading  on  Satur- 
day and  the  conduct  of  the  actors.  Advised  him  as  to  the  alteration 
of  second  act.  Note  from  Mr.  Compton,  declining  the  part  of  Verges. 
Not  knowing  what  course  to  adopt ;  all  at  sea ! 

January  20th. — Thought  of  Julius  Csesar  as  a  play  to  produce ;  was 
impressed  with  the  effect  I  could  produce  in  it.  Spoke  with  Wilhnott 
and  Serle  about  the  substitution  of  Julius  Csesar  for  Much  Ado,  etc. 
They  were  both  against  it.  I  tliink  they  are  wrong,  but  I  yield  it  to 
them  very  indifferently.  Talked  over  again  the  subject  of  Julius 
Csesar  and  Much  Ado. 

January  31st. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Found  Browning 
waiting  for  me  in  a  state  of  great  excitement.  He  abused  the  door- 
keeper and  was  in  a  very  great  passion.  I  calmly  apologized  for  having 
detained  him,  observing  that  I  had  made  a  great  effort  to  meet  him 
at  all.  He  had  not  given  his  name  to  the  doorkeeper,  who  had  told 
him  he  might  walk  into  the  green-room  ;  but  his  dignity  was  mortall}' 
wounded.  I  fear  he  is  a  very  conceited  man.  W^ent  over  his  play 
with  him,  then  looked  over  part  of  it.  Read  it  in  the  room  with  great 
difficulty,  being  very  unwell. 

February  1st. — Received  notes — one  enclosing  5s.  with  a  desire 
that  I  would  advertise  the  day  of  my  birthday  in  the  Times.  Read 
Browning's  play.  Rose,  and  read  and  cut  it  again.  Serle  called, 
and  I  told  him  of  my  inability  to  meet  my  work — that  I  could  not 
play  this  part  of  Browning's  unless  the  whole  work  of  the  theatre 
stopped,  that  I  thougiit  it  best  to  reduce  it  to  its  proper  form — three 
acts,  and  let  Phelps  do  it  on  all  accounts.  He  concurred  with  me. 
T.  Cooke  called;  we  discussed  Comus.  I  wrote  a  note  to  Browning. 
Read  in  bed  Orpheus  and  Eurydice  of  Gluck. 

^  According  to  a  statement  made  by  Browning  in  after  years,  Macready,  not  wishing  to 
produce  the  play,  had  tried  to  discredit  it  by  entrusting  the  reading  to  Wilimott,  the 
prompter,  "a  red-nosed,  one-legged,  elderly  gentleman,"  whose  reading,  especially  of  the 
girls'  parts,  not  unnaturally  provoked  laughter.  But  this  view  is  hardly  liome  out  by 
Macready's  own  statements,  as  above  quoted,  and  others  of  a  later  date  ;  though  he  was,  of 
course,  not  justified  in  entrusting  the  readin";  of  so  delicate  a  piece  of  work  to  the  theatre 
prompter,  however  intelligent,  as  Wilimott  undoubtedly  was. 
194 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

February  2nd. — Completed  and  cut  the  piece  of  Comus — as  for 
representation.  Sat  with  the  darhng  children  after  dinner  for  a  short 
time.  Head  carefully  over  Benedick  and  considered  the  play  of  Much 
Ado — in  reference  to  the  scenery,  etc.  I^etters  from  theatre.  Not 
£100  to  the  last  night  of  Acis  and  Galatea!  "  Oh  jmlgnient !  thou  art 
fled  to  brutish  beasts  1  "     7  icill  give  this  up, 

February  Mli. — Rehearsed  Browning's  play,  the  Blot  on  the 
'Scutcheon. 

February  5th. — Very  little  sleep  last  night,  and  this  morning  found 
me  dejected,  desponding — almost  despairing.  I  have  wished  to  be 
right — I  cannot  say  that  I  have  always  tried  to  be  right,  or  that  I 
have  tried  enough — I  have  not.  Perhaps  that  is  the  cause  of  my 
present  unhappiness.  I  wish  life  could  be  past  with  me,  so  that  I 
could  leave  my  blessed  children  with  hope  and  my  dearest  wife  in  worldly 
comfort.     God  forgive — forgive  and  aid  me. 

February  6th. — Mr.  Phelps  was  too  ill  to  play  to-night.  I  decided 
on  under-studying  his  part  in  Browning's  play. 

February  Ith. — Went  to  Urury  Lane  theatre.  Rehearsed  Brown- 
ing's play,  with  the  idea  of  acting  the  part  of  Lord  Tresham,  if  Mr. 
Phelps  should  continue  ill.  Browning  came  and  in  better  humour  than 
I  have  lately  seen  him.  Read  Comus  in  the  green-room.  A  note  from 
Mrs.  Norton  who  had  expected  a  private  box,  but  found  it  was  a 
Benefit.  I  was  much  vexed.  Acted  Claude  Melnotte  fairly ;  was 
called  for  and  well  received.  Went  to  see  Mrs.  Norton  and  took  her 
boys — her  son  and  Lord  Dufferin  ^ — behind  the  scenes. 

February  Hth. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Rehearsed  three 
acts  of  Much  Ado  About  Nothing  and  the  Blot  on  the  'Scutcheon,  of 
which  I  began  to  despair.  Note  from  Delane,  asking  for  places.  I 
sent  him  a  box.  Spoke  for  a  few  minutes  with  Helen  Faucit.  Acted 
King  John  very  well  indeed.  Stanfield  brought  me  some  sketches  for 
Comus. 

February  9th. — Keeley  came,  and  having  heard  that  Mr.  Compton 
was  troublesome  about  Dogberry,  offered  to  give  it  up  and  act  Verges. 
I  was  extremely  pleased  with  the  good  little  fellow,  and  told  him  so. 
Business  with  Serle  and  Willmott  on  the  new  play.  Resolved  to  do 
the  part  of  Tresham  for  Mr.  Phelps.  Business  with  Younge ;  began 
reading  the  part  in  the  new  play  and  cutting  it ;  wearied  out  I  lay 
down  for  twenty-five  minutes.     Acted  Othello  as  well  as  I  could,  but 

1  The  late  Marquis  of  Dufferin  and  Ava,  the  distinguished  statesman,  then  a  youth  of 
seventeen. 

0  2  i9i; 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1843 

not  effectively — at   least  the  audience  di<l   not  applaud    me  much.     I 
was  dissatisfied  with  them  and  myself,  but  I  did  my  best. 

February  10th. — Began  the  consideration  and  study  of  the  part  of 
Tresham,  which  was  to  occupy  my  single  thoughts  till  accomplished. 
About  a  quarter  past  one  a  note  came  from  Willmott,  informing  me 
that  Mr.  Phelps  would  do  the  part,  if  he  "died  for  it,"  so  that  my 
time  had  been  lost.  Arrived  I  applied  to  business ;  offered  to  give 
to  Browning  and  Mr.  Phelps  the  benefit  of  my  consideration  and  study 
in  the  cuts,  etc.  I  had  made  one  I  thought  particularly  valuable, 
not  letting  Tresham  die,  but  consigning  him  to  a  convent.  Browning, 
however,  in  the  worst  taste,  manner,  and  spirit,  declined  any  further 
alterations,  expressing  himself  perfectly  satisfied  with  the  manner  in 
which  Mr.  Phelps  executed  Lord  Tresham.  I  had  no  more  to  say. 
I  could  only  think  Mr.  Browning  a  very  disagreeable  and  offensively 
mannered  person.      Voila  tout! 

February  11th. — Directed  the  rehearsal  of  Blot  on  the  ^Scutcheon, 
and  made  many  valuable  improvements.  Browning  seemed  desirous 
to  explain  or  qualify  the  strange  carriage  and  temper  of  yesterday, 
and  laid  much  blame  on  Forster  for  irritating  him.  Saw  the  play  of 
Blot  on  the  'Scutcheon,  wiiich  was  badly  acted  in  Phelps's  and  Mrs. 
Stirling's  parts — pretty  well  in  Anderson's,  very  well  in  Helen  Faucit's. 
I  was  angry  after  the  play  about  the  call  being  directed  without  me. 
Saw  farce.  Thumping  Legacy,  which  was  successful.  Jerdan  came  into 
my  room  ;  did  not  like  the  play. 

February  IQth. — Morton  came  into  my  room  to  tell  me  that  the 
wretch  Gregory,  of  the  Satirist,  had  been  yelled  off  the  stage  at  Covent 
Garden  and  that  they  had  dropped  the  curtain  upon  him  in  the  middle 
of  the  second  act !     The  public  have  feeling,  if  the  players  have  none. 

February  16th. — Letter  from  the  Lord  Chamberlain  demanding  to 
know  by  what  authority  I  had  played  The  Blot  on  the  'Scutcheon ; 
gave  it  to  Serle  to  answer.  T.  Cooke  and  Thomas  came  to  speak  about 
the  orchestra — it  seems  there  had  been  squabbling  between  the  singers 
and  musicians — "  tweedledom  and  tweedledee." 

Fe}>ruary  YJth. — Looked  at  the  paper.  Dissatisfied  with  a  humor- 
ous but  uncalled-for  article  on  Peel's  life,  name,  etc.,  whicli  looked 
mere  party  spleen,  and  still  more  dissatisfied  with  the  silence  of  the 
Examiner  (Fonblanque)  upon  the  disgraceful  wretch  who  was  allowed 
to  insult  decency  by  coming  from  his  lurking-place  on  Monday  last 
and  braving  ])ublic  indignation — the  vile  emulator  of  the  wretch 
Bunn,  Mr.  Gregory. 
196 


i 


SAMUEL    PUELPS 

FroiA  an  engraviiif/  of  a  Dar/v.en-eotyii'' 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

February  ^Oth. — Read  Benedict,  which  I  had  begun  to  lose  heart 
about ;  I  must  try — the  Uttle  ones  must  pull  at  my  coat-tails.  God 
bless  them.  Acted  Macbeth  particular  well  to  a  very  indifferent  house. 
Called  for  and  well  received. 

February  22n(/. — Heard  that  the  Covent  Garden  actors  had 
accepted  half-salaries  from  Mr.  Bunn — the  wretches !  They  deserve 
the  fate  they  have  mainly  contributed  to  bring  on  themselves. 

February  24t/i. — Rehearsed  Much  Ado  About  Nothing  and  Comus. 
Acted  Benedict  very  well.  The  audience  went  with  the  play  and  with 
Comus.     They  called  for  me  after  both  pieces.^ 

February  26th. — Dickenses  called  and  sat  a  short  time.  I  went 
out  with  Catherine.  We  called  on  Mr.  Rogers,  on  Helen  Faucit,  whom 
we  found  at  home,  and  whom  dearest  Catherine  asked  to  dine  with  us 

en  famille.     Called  at  the  Carlyles,  where  we  saw  Mrs.  C ,  a  Miss 

Jewsbury,^  Mr.  Commyn,  Carlyle  and  his  brother.  I  was  amused. 
H.  Faucit  dined  with  us,  and  we  had  a  cheerful  evening. 

March  1st. — Dow  called ;  gave  me  some  curious  information 
respecting  Mr.  C.  Kean's  refusal  to  allow  Mr.  Phelps  to  act  with  him 
in  Knowles's  play  The  Rose  of  Aragon,  which  shows  him  to  be  what 
I  have  long  considered — a  most  despicable  person — a  mere  pitiful 
quack. 

March  3rd. — I  entered  this  morning  upon  my  fiftieth  birthday. 
How  very  little  of  self-approval  attends  the  review  of  my  past  life — 
how  much  of  self-reproach  !  I  am  now  on  the  downward  path  of  life, 
to  prepare  myself  to  die  with  resignation  and  content,  and  to  make 
what  remains  of  my  life  beneficial  to  my  blessed  children  is  all  that 
remains  for  me  to  do.  May  God  Almighty  befriend  me  in  my  desire 
to  do  my  duty  well  by  them  and  preserve  me  from  temptation,  render- 
ing my  efforts  available  to  their  good,  and  my  latter  days  the  means 
of  comfort  and  happiness  to  my  beloved  wife  and  my  dear  family. 
God  protect,  sustain,  and  direct  me.  Received  the  wishes  and  'gratula- 
tions,  with  the  remembrances  of  dear,  dear  family.     God  bless  them  ! 

-  ^  The  cast  of  Muck\AJo  About  Nothings  atj  Drury  Laneftheatrc,  included  Mr.  Hudson, 
Mr.  Lynne,  Mr.  Anderson,  Mr.  Phelps, Mr.  W.Bennett,  Mr.  Allen,  Mr.  G.  Bennett,  Mr.  Selby. 
Mr.  Compton,  Mr,  Keeley,  Mr.  Bender,  Mr.  Hance,  Mr.  M.  Barnett,  Mr.  Ryder,  with 
Miss  Fortescue,  and  Mrs.  Nisbett.  In  Comus,  Miss  V.  Horlon  and  Miss  Helen  Faucit  took 
the  parts  of  the  Attendant  Spirit  and  the  Lady.  Miss  Romer  took  that  of  Sabrina.  The 
music  was  from  Handel  and  Arne,  with  the  exception  of  one  air  from  the  original  composer, 
Henry  Lawes.  — («c>/e  by  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 

2  Geraldine  Endsor  Jewsbury  (1812-1880) ;  novelist  ;  best  known  from  her  intimacy  with 
the  Carlyles. 

197 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1843 

Low  in  spirits.  I  cannot  forget  tliat  I  am  now  declining  in  life,  and 
that  I  have  lived  to  do  little  good,  that  I  have  no  comfort  in 
retrospection. 

March  l^th. — "^riiought  upon  the  state  of  the  public  mind  in  regard 
to  theatres — the  aversion  from  the  English  theatre.  My  heart  and  my 
spirits  sank  down  within  me.  I  have  borne  up  long,  but  now  I  begin 
to  lose  hope  and  heart.  I  often,  in  my  secret  heart  wish  that  I  was 
at  my  long  rest ;  there  seems  no  good  for  me  here.  I  toil,  and  hope 
on,  but  my  good  genius — oh  God !  Have  done  very  little  to-day. 
Had  no  heart  to  do  anything — not  even  to  bear  the  company  of  my 
blessed,  blessed  children.  God  help  me  !  Read  and  corrected  Knowles's 
play,  read  the  part  of  Colonel  Greene  to  Catherine,  which  she  did  not 
think  enough  for  me.     I  think  so  too. 

March  15th. — Received  a  very  cordial  note  from  Etty ;  in  great 
delight  with  the  Much  Ado  and  Comus  of  last  night.  Listened  to 
the  rehearsal  of  the  music  of  Sappho.  Fonblanque  says  that  Lord 
Brougham   is  mad.     On   his   examination   the   other    day  on  the  law 

of  libel,  B said  to  him,  F :  "  You  know,  Mr.  Fonblanque,  all 

London  jurors  are  cuckolds — you  know  it  "  !  1  ! — afterwards  turning 
to  reporters:  "You  need  not  report  that."  Went  to  Drury  Lane 
theatre.  Cobden  was  speaking  very  strong  truths  to  an  assenting 
multitude. 

March  llth. — Read  the  Morning  Herald,  a  base,  false,  and 
malignant  attack  upon  me.  Called  on  Forster.  He  always  recom- 
mends submission  to  the  coward  insolence  of  these  papers.  I  think 
occasion  should  be  used  for  at  least  endeavouring  to  reduce  their  power 
of  mischief.  Serle  came ;  sent  him  to  the  Morning  Herald  to  make 
an  appointment  with  the  editor. 

March  ISth. — Went  out ;  met  Browning,  who  was  startled  into 
accosting  me,  but  seeming  to  remember  that  he  did  not  intend  to  do 
so,  started  off  in  great  haste.  What  but  contempt,  which  one  ought 
not  to  feel,  can  we  with  galled  spirit  feel  for  these  wretched  insects 
about  one?     Oh  God!  how  is  it  all  to  end? 

March  19th. — In  conversation  with  my  dearest  Catherine,  she  gave 
her  opinion  that  it  would  be  necessary  for  me  in  the  event  of  an  unsuc- 
cessful termination  to  our  season,  to  go  alone  to  the  United  States. 
This  looks  cheerily,  inasmuch  as  there  is  opportunity  for  exertion  and 
prospect  of  reward,  perhaps  the  means  of  recovering  all  I  have  lost, 
and  adding  to  my  gains.  God  grant  it  for  the  sake  of  my  blessed 
children.  This  sweet  instance  of  firmness  and  affection  adds,  if  it  be 
198 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

possible,  to  the  love  I  bear  to  this  beloved  woman.     May  God  bless 
her ! 

March  ^Oth. — Serle  came  in  on  business.  Shortly  after  brought  in 
Miss  Clara  Novello.^  She  is  handsome  but  not  winning — much  assump- 
tion, some  affectation,  and  evidently  a  great  opinion  of  herself.  She 
did  not  prepossess  me.  She  gave  me  a  shock  and  a  fright  in  wishing 
to  be  announced  "  Clara  Novello  "  with  all  her  titles  from  the  various 
foreign  academies,  etc.  Serle  and  I  combated  it  to  the  utmost,  but 
not  with  much  effect.  The  editor  of  the  Morning  Herald  would  not 
see  Serle  !     The  wretched  dastard  ! 

March  21st. — My  morning  was  engaged  with  the  rehearsal  of 
SapphOf  chiefly  listening  to  it.  Miss  C.  Novello  and  Mrs.  Alfred  Shaw 
were  there.  Miss  C.  Novello  made  herself  conspicuously  ridiculous — 
it  was  painful  to  see  her.  On  being  told  that  the  first  clarionet  was 
in  the  Queen's  band,  and  therefore  not  yet  come,  she  answered  :  "  Oh, 
then,  I  suppose  either  the  Queen  must  wait  or  I."  Mrs.  A.  Shaw 
pleased  every  one  with  her  frankness  and  good  humour.  How  cheap 
to  ourselves  and  of  what  value  in  our  dealings  with  others  is  civility ! 

Found  Miss  C.  N still  stubborn  on  the  point  of  her  name  being 

announced  ''Clara  Novello."     She  agreed  to  refer  it  to  Dickens  and 
Jerrold. 

March  23rd. — Helen  Faucit  called ;  I  was  not  pleased  with  an 
evidence  of  pettishness  in  her.  Acted  lago  better,  I  think,  than  I  ever 
have  before  done.  Sent  on  Mr.  Anderson,  but  did  not  go  on  myself. 
Altered  the  bill.  There  seems  a  destiny  at  work  against  me — the 
hand  of  fate  is  heavy  on  me. 

March  24f/i. — Not  well,  and  weary — weary — "  wearied  o'  the 
world,"  God  help  me.  Looked  at  the  paper;  saw  the  account  of 
Southey's  death.  I  envy  him  his  rest ;  my  only  pang  is  the  care  for 
my  blessed  children's  welfare,  and  my  beloved  wife's  sorrow.  I  would 
not  use  the  language  of  complaint  or  utter  a  murmur  against  the  Divine 
Will,  but  my  heart  is  borne  down  in  thinking  of  them,  and  I  say  God 
help  them  almost  without  hope.  Attended  to  the  rehearsal  of  the 
second  act  of  the  opera.  Miss  Clara  Novello  was  very  much  distressed 
by  the  incorrectness  of  the  orchestra  and  the  inefficiency  of  Mr.  T. 
Cooke, ^  who  was,  Avith  his  back  to  the  stage,  fiddling  out  the  passages, 

1  Clara  Novello,    Countess   Gi^Miucci,    the   well-known    singer.     She   had  a  success  in 
Italy  a  couple  of  years  before. 

*  Thomas  Simpson  Cooke  (1752-1848) ;  musical  director  at  Drury  Lane,  1821-1842.     He 
was  apparently  more  successful  as  a  singing-master  than  as  a  conductor. 

199 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1843 

as  if  to  learn  the  music,  from  the  score !  I  saw  her  distress  and 
requested  her  to  be  quiet.  She  told  me  Mr.  Cooke  could  not  do  it ;  he 
did  not  understand  it.  This  staggered  me,  and  I  spoke  to  Serle, 
Anderson  and  Willmott,  who  all  seemed  to  feel  in  the  same  way. 
Note  from  Dow.  Spoke  to  Miss  C.  Novello  afterwards,  who  moderated 
her  objections,  but  still  was  not  satisfied.  Spoke  to  Thomas ;  he 
admitted  that  Mr.  Cooke  had  not  made  himself  master  of  the  opera. 
To-morrow  I  pay  £600  to  meet  the  deficiencies  of  tiie  treasury,  and 
the  only  hope  of  continuance  is  in  the  success  of  this  opera.  I  took 
their  opinions,  all  agreeing  in  the  propriety  of  endeavouring  to  call  in 
Benedict.^     I  commissioned  Serle  to  seek  him. 

March  25th. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre,  reading  Sappho.  Saw 
Serle,  who  communicated  to  me  his  interview  with  T.  Cooke,  who  was 
violent  in  refusing  to  concede  the  direction  of  the  opera.  I  sent  for 
Mapleson  and  learned  from  him  that  Mr.  Cooke  had  never  had  the 
score,  etc.,  away  to  read  or  study  himself  one  single  evening  or  day ! 
Mr.  Cooke  came  and  a  very  long  and  useless  discussion  ensued.  I 
explained  to  him  that  nothing  unkind  was  contemplated  or  intended — 
that  it  was  thought  he  had  not  made  him.self  acquainted  with  the  opera, 
and  that  with  the  quantity  he  had  to  do  he  might  gracefully  and  without 
disparagement  avail  himself  of  the  aid  of  Benedict.  I  could  do  nothing. 
Miss  Novello  came  to  speak  to  me  on  other  things  and  renewed  her 
complaint  and  dissatisfaction.  Attended  the  rehearsal  of  the  music 
of  Sappho,  at  which  I  saw  a  striking  instance  of  Mr.  T.  Cooke's 
slovenliness  as  a  director.  I  was  inquiring  of  Allen,  who  spoke  in  an 
absurd  way,  as  if  there  were  a  plot  to  supplant  T.  Cooke — a  man  of 
whom  he  has  greatly  complained  !  Planche  called  and  spoke  to  me  of 
the  Easter  piece.  He  thought  T.  Cooke  was  not  equal  to  the  demand 
of  the  musical  public  in  an  Italian  opera  now,  whatever  he  might  have 
been  or  might  be  in  other  musical  pieces.  Acted  Jacques  very  well. 
A  note  and  some  artificial  flowers  from  a  lady.  Serle  and  Jones  spoke 
again  about  T.  Cooke.  Serle  was  very  positive.  He  took  the  score 
for  Benedict  to  look  over. 

March  21th. — Fox  called  in  the  middle  of  the  day.  He  told  me 
that  he  stopped  the  insertion  of  a  paragraph  in  Mr.  Bunn's  hand- 
writing, speaking  of  himself  as  "  Like  Cincinnatus  called  from  the 
plough,  Mr.  Bunn  had  been  summoned  to  resume  the  reins  of  manage- 
ment." I  sent  for  Thomas,  the  leader,  and  in  consequence  of  an 
anonymous  letter   I  received,   told   him  that  I   should   pay   the   band 

'  Sir  Julius  Benedict  (1804-1885)  ;  the  cniineut  conductor  and  composer. 
200 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

their  full  salaries.  I  shall  have  little  thanks  for  it,  but  the  game  is 
nearly  played  out  and  they  suffer  much. 

March  29f/i. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre,  where  I  attended  to 
the  business  of  the  new  opera.  Rehearsed  it,  and  had  to  draw  upon 
my  dexterity  to  hush  the  tempest  raging  between  the  two  prima 
donnas — interdiim  feniincas  coinponere  lites,  is  now  a  part  of  my  duty. 
Phaugh  !     I  am  sick  of  it. 

March  SOth. — Attended  to  business  and  the  rehearsal  of  the  opera. 
Mr.  Luigi,  on  the  part  of  some  Russian  singers,  came  too  late  for  his 
appointment.  I  saw  Mme.  Albertuzzi,  with  whom  I  could  not  agree. 
I  am  thoroughly  disgusted  with  the  whole  concern.  I  am  sick  of  the 
world — I  hate  it. 

March  21st. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Rehearsed  the  opera 
of  Sappho  from  eleven  to  a  quarter-past  eight.  Though  so  much  has 
been  done  in  all  ways  for  this  opera,  I  feel  persuaded  it  will  not 
attract,  although  I  feel  confident  of  a  certain  degree  of  success. 

April  1st. — Saw  the  opera  of  Sappho,^  which  was  certainly  put  upon 
the  stage  as  no  opera  I  have  ever  seen  has  been  for  truth  and  complete- 
ness ;  Miss  Novello  was  very  good.  The  house  in  amount  was  below- 
even  my  calculations.  In  spirit,  it  was  an  assemblage  of  brutes. 
Dickens  came  round  to  speak  to  me ;  I  saw  also  Planche,  Beazley,  etc. 
— the  Doctors  Fell  of  my  imagination.     I  am  heartsick  of  it  all. 

April  2nd. — Quite  broken  down  in  spirits — no  power  of  enterprise 
or  exertion  of  any  kind.  The  world  is  burdensome  to  me.  I  feel  a 
worse  than  useless  being  in  it.  Unwell  in  body  and  mind.  Looked  at 
the  paper.  A  note  from  Dickens  about  dining  with  Miss  Coutts  on 
Friday.     Letitia  answered  it. 

April  Srd. — Called  on  Bulwer.  Talked  with  him  on  his  new  play, 
which  he  is  to  send  me  on  Wednesday.  His  son  is  ill.  I  am  truly, 
truly  sorry.  He  spoke  in  a  very  honourable  way  about  the  remunera- 
tion for  his  piece,  wishing  only  to  be  paid  for  it  by  its  nightly  success. 
Note  from  Secretary  of  Literary  Fund,  asking  me  to  be  Steward. 

April  4t/i. — Sent  for  Notter ;  heard  his  report  of  the  box-office. 
My  prognostications  of  the  issue  of  this  operatic  attempt  will  prove 
true.  Called  on  Etty  and  saw  his  beautiful  pictures.  Called  on  the 
Landseers,  saw  E.  Landseer's  two  for  the  exhibition,  and  one  domestic 
subject  of  the  Queen  and  Prince  Albert.  Called  on  Stanfield,  saw  his 
pictures — not  so  good  as  I  have  seen  his  works.  Called  on  Maclise, 
who  was  away  from  home;  on  Mclan.     His  wife  was  at  home;  she 

'  By  Pacini.— (w/«  6y  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 

20I 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1843 

was  at  work  on  her  picture,  of  an  interesting  woman  holding  a  child's 
slioe  in  her  hand,  and  looking  mournfully  at  a  cradle  in  which  the 
clothes  were  tumbled  about.  I  looked  for  the  child,  and  not  thinking 
of  what  I  said,  uttered,  "The  cradle  is  empty?  "  "Yes."  I  could 
not  speak,  and  the  tears  welled  to  my  eyes;  I  thought  of  that  blessed 
one  with  whom  I  have  so  often  wished  to  be  companioned. 

April  5th. — Walked  home;  enjoyed  very  much  the  air  and  exercise 
— the  first  time  that  I  have  walked  home  from  the  theatre,  I  believe, 
this  season !  Received  note  and  MS.  from  Bulwer.  Read  two  acts  of 
his  play. 

April  6th. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre  reading  fourth  act  of 
Knowles's  play.  Directed  a  little  of  the  rehearsal  of  The  Midnight 
Hour  and  disgusted  to  see  persons  assuming  so  much  in  reputation  and 
payment  as  actors  so  devoid  of  talent,  so  ignorant  of  their  business, 
so  utterly  unworthy  of  the  name  of  artists.  Read  Bulwer's  four  acts 
to  Catherine  and  Letitia.     Not  good — heavy  and  sentimental. 

April  1th. — Looked  at  the  paper.  Spoke  with  Serle  about  Miss 
Novello's  conduct,  which  he  condemned  as  much  as  we  all  do.  Spoke 
with  Helen  Faucit  about  Lady  Macbeth,  which  she  was  willing  to  do. 
I  signed  the  bills,  which  are  very  heavy.  Our  season  is  not  only 
irredeemable,  but  more  loss  must  be  incurred.  The  effort  must  be  to 
keep  it  as  low  as  possible.  Read  C.  Buller's  speech  on  Colonization — a 
good  one,  but  one  that  convinces  me  the  trade  of  statesmanship  is 
not  so  difficult.     Oh  !  what  could  honcaty  and  energy  not  do ! 

April  Sth. — Looked  at  the  paper,  which  merely  afforded  another 
instance  of  the  insane  profligacy  of  that  despicable  wretch  Brougham. 
Wrote  note  to  Ransom's  for  sale  of  £1200  stock  !  !  !  Ah  me !  Re- 
hearsed the  Easter  piece — Fortunio.  Spoke  to  Miss  Novello  upon  her 
haughty  and  unconciliatory  conduct. 

April  dth. — Wrote  a  note  to  Bulwer,  declining  his  play. 

April  10th. — Rehearsed  the  Easter  piece  of  Fortunio.  The  chorus, 
to  whom  I  had  given  the  indulgence  of  full  salary  last  week,  were  in 
an  apparent  state  of  rebellion  this  morning.     They  behaved  ill.     Notes 

from  Bulwer,   Abbott,  etc.     Heard  of  's  letter  with   an  account 

of  Major  's  making  love  to  her.     Was  in  an  ill-humour  with  the 

world  and  almost  with  her,  as  part  of  it,  for  her  very  fickleness  and 
venal  lightness.  But  what  this  world  is !  I  hope  she  may  be  married 
to  Major ,  but  what  a  world  !     What  a  world  ! 

April  11th. — Much  out  of  humour,  much  depressed  and  annoyed — 
in  short  very  wretched  in  feeling,  wishing  again  and  again  for  that 
202 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

long  quiet  rest  which  lulls  passion  and  suffering  for  ever.  Read  the 
paper.  Answered  Bulwer  and  a  Mr.  Abbott,  who  pesters  nie  about 
his  trash  of  a  play. 

April  IWi. — Helen  Faucit  called  in  at  four  o'clock,  and  I  went 
over  part  of  Lady  Macbeth  with  her,  and  endeavoured  to  raise  and 
dilate  her  mind  to  the  conception  of  the  full  grandeur  of  the  character, 
which  she  only  sees  from  a  distance  at  present,  but  which  she  shrinks 
into  littleness  before,  as  she  comes  near  it.  I  took  great  pains  with 
her.  Dined  with  Dickens.  Met  Stanfield,  Serle,  Jerrold,  Mark 
Lemon,  Forster,  Blanchard.     A  very  cheerful  day. 

April  14t/i. — Talked  with  dearest  Catherine  over  our  prospects, 
and  the  only  course  (which  involved  our  temporary  separation)  that  lay 
before  us.  We  now  regard  it  more  cheerfully  than  we  used  to  do. 
Considered  in  part  what  I  should  say  in  proposing  to  the  company 
to-morrow  their  subscription  of  a  night's  gratuitous  performance  to- 
wards the  Fund  for  the  Siddons  monument.  Called  on  Helen  Faucit ; 
went  over  part  of  Lady  Macbeth  with  her.  Resumed  my  consideration 
of  my  proposal  to  the  actors  to-morrow. 

April  I5th. — Thought,  before  I  rose,  of  my  arranged  meeting 
with  the  company  to-day ;  endeavoured  to  fix  in  my  mind  the  order 
in  which  I  would  bring  forward  my  various  observations.  Rehearsed 
the  scenes  of  Lady  Macbeth  with  Helen  Faucit ;  she  should  have  begun 
the  study  of  this  part  earlier.  Rehearsed  the  Easter  piece  Fortunio. 
Previous  to  my  rehearsal  of  Fortunio  I  went  into  the  green-room, 
where  the  actors  were  assembled,  and  addressed  a  few  words  to  them 
as  they  clustered  round  the  room,  explaining  to  them  that  such  a  kind 
of  meeting,  though  frequent  at  Covent  Garden  theatre,  was  rarely 
heard  of  here ;  that  at  Covent  Garden  theatre  the  actors  had  been 
summoned  to  make  sacrifices  repeatedly,  had  made  them  without  con- 
sideration of  the  claim  of  character  or  conduct  of  the  manager,  etc. 
I  called  them  to  require  something  from  them — their  assent  would  be 
useless,  if  not  spontaneous  and  unanimous.  Neither  Messrs.  Serle, 
Anderson,  nor  Willmott  were  privy  to  my  purpose,  as  I  wished  no 
influence  to  be  used.  I  did  not  know  the  extent  of  their  confidence  in 
me,  but  I  asked  if  there  was  one  who,  for  himself  or  others,  had 
generosity  enough  to  agree  to  any  sacrifice  I  might  think  it  right  to 
propose.  Many,  I  believe  most,  called  out — "I  will — I  will."  I 
thanked  them,  and  told  them  we  had  too  little  regard,  paid  too  little 
honour  to  those  who  elevated  our  art  in  the  distinction  they  won,  that 
they  would  do  honour  to  themselves  by  agreeing  to  my  request,  and 

203 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1843 

I  asked  them  to  give  me  their  gratuitous  services  for  one  night  in  aid 
of  the  fund  to  place  a  monument  to  Mrs.  Siddons's  memory  in  West- 
minster Abbey.  They  exclaimed,  '"Yes,"  etc.  I  told  them  I  was 
glad  to  see  them  receive  the  proposal  so,  and  that  I  had  some  little 
recompense  to  offer  them.  I  could  promise  them  two  holidays, 
for  which  they  should  be  paid.  I  added  that  some,  perhaps,  had 
anticipated  a  reduction  of  their  salaries,  but  desired  them  to 
understand  that  whatever  agreement  I  signed  should  be  fulfilled  to  the 
very  letter. 

April  16t]i. — Called  on  Helen  Faucit,  and  went  over  the  principal 
part  of  I^ady  Macbeth  with  her.  Was  very  much  j)leased  with  her 
improvement,  althougii  I  perceive  she  will  not  be  able  to  realize  her 
own  intentions  by  to-morrow  evening. 

April  nth. — Rehearsed  Lady  Macbeth's  scenes.  Rehearsed  the 
Easter  piece  of  Fortunio,  which  occupied  me  till  past  four  o'clock. 
Rested  a  short  time.  Acted  Macbeth  unequally  ;  I  was  depressed  at 
times  by  the  extreme  nervousness  of  Helen  Faucit,  who  lost  all 
management  of  herself.  I  recovered  when  alone.  Was  called  for  and 
well  received.  Saw  the  Easter  piece  of  Fortunio,  which  was  very 
successful. 

April  18th. — Note  from  C'lara  Novello — answered  it;  one  from 
Helen  Faucit — suffering  from  illness,  but  in  a  very  unkind  and 
impatient  spirit.     Talked  and — despaired  ! 

April  21st. — I^etter  from  Lord  Chamberlain's  office,  closing  the 
theatre  on  account  of  the  death  of  the  poor  Duke  of  Sussex,  a  kind, 
good-natured  man,  of  the  most  liberal  opinions — I  very  much  lament 
him.^ 

April  22nd. — I  sent  for  Knowles,  and  told  him  that  Willmott 
had  pointed  out  that  unless  his  play  had  great  success  it  could  not 
be  acted  more  than  three  nights — which  I  had  not  before  thought 
on.  I  now  told  him  he  might  withdraw  the  play  retaining  the 
£100  in  his  hands,  as  he  had  given  his  time,  etc.  He  would  not 
hear  of  keeping  the  £100,  but  after  some  demur  desired  that  the 
play  might  go  on.  Dined  with  Emerson  Tennent ;  met  the  Hano- 
verian Minister,  an  Absolutist,  M'Culloch,  Delane,  Law,  and  several 
others.  T  enncnt  talked  to  me  much  about  bringing  the  fashion  to  the 
theatre.     I   doubt  the  possibility.     Notes   from   Serle  and   Dunn,   on 

'  Augustus  Frederick,  Duke  of  Sussex  (1773-1843) ;  sixth  son  of  George  III ;  the  most 
unconventional  of  the  Royal  Dukes.  He  was  a  Progressive  in  politics,  made  two  morgan.ilic 
marriages,  and  by  his  own  directions  was  buried  at  Kensnl  Green. 

204 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

the  part  of  committee,  objecting  to  the  lease  of  the  theatre  to  the 
Anti-Corn  Law  League. 

April  ^Srd. — Went  with  Catherine  and  Forster  to  hear  Fox  in  his 
chapel  lecture  on  Shakspeare.  There  was  much  that  was  brilliant, 
eloquent,  humorous,  learned,  and  profoundly  philosophic  in  his  dis- 
course, but  I  was,  upon  the  whole,  disappointed.  I  had  expected  too 
much,  or  he  had  not  taken  the  precaution  to  arrange  his  ideas. 

April  Mth. — Dunn  came  to  say  that  the  General  Committee  wished 
to  see  me — I  went.  Lord  Glengall  began  a  speech,  which  I  took  an 
opportunity  of  anticipating  in  part  by  recapitulating  the  points  of  my 
note  to  Dunn.  He  quoted  the  opinions  of  Pollock  ^  and  FoUet,^ 
which  I  begged  to  doubt  as  applying  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  I  stated 
my  determination  not  to  go  from  my  engagement  with  the  Corn  Law 
League,  but  left  them  to  take  what  measures  they  pleased.  I  said  I 
should  not  have  let  the  theatre  had  I  supposed  it  would  have  been 
objectionable  to  them.  They  were  satisfied  and  mentioned  to  me,  not 
the  resolution,  but  the  substance  of  one  they  had  passed  expressive  of 
their  objection  to  its  recurrence.  I  told  them  it  should  not  be  let 
again,  and  that  Mr.  Serle  should  write  to  the  League  to  say  so.  Acted 
Colonel  Green  ^  I  know  not  how.  Called  for  and  well  received. 
Knowles  came  and  thanked  me  repeatedly  and  very  gratefully  for  what 
I  had  done. 

April  ^6t1i. — The  darling  children  acted  Comus  in  the  drawing- 
room  after  dinner,  interesting  and  amusing  me  very  much  ;  they  recited 
the  poetry  very  well  indeed,  and  only  gave  me  a  fear  lest  they  should 
imbibe  a  liking  for  the  wretched  art  which  I  have  been  wasting  my 
life  upon.  God  forbid.  Went  in  the  evening  to  Mrs.  Pierce  Butler's. 
Saw  the  Sartorises,  Sir  C.  and  Lady  Morgan,  who  introduced  me  to 
Mrs.  Dawson  Damer,  Lord  Lansdowne,  Mr.  Hallam,  whom  I  was  so 
glad  to  meet,  Milman,  Babbage,  Everetts,  etc. 

April  9.Sth. — Acted  Colonel  Green  very  poorly ;  called  for  and 
well  received.  Went  to  Mrs.  Sartoris's.  Saw  Young,  Benedict,  Mr. 
Procter,  Hayward,  Butlers.     Rogers  and  Lord  Lansdowne  were  there. 

^  Sir  Jonathan  Frederick  Pollock  (1783-1870),  then  Attorney-General  ;  Lord  Chief  Baron 
of  the  Exchequer  from  1844  to  1866;  created  a  baronet  in  the  latter  year;  father  of 
Macready's  friend,   Sir  W.   F.  Pollock,  and   of  the  late  Baron  (C.   E.)  Pollock. 

2  Sir  William  Webb  Foliett  (1798-1845),  then  Solicitor-General:  succeeded  Pollock  as 
Attorney-General.  One  of  the  ablest  advocates  and  acutest  lawyers  of  the  nineteenth 
century ;  but  for  his  premature  death  he  would  undoubtedly  have  been  the  next  Tory 
Chancellor. 

*  In  The  Secretary,  by  Sheridan  Knowles. — {note  by  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 

205 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1843 

I  did  not  speak  with  them.  Read  the  number  of  Chuzzleivit.  It  does 
not  improve. 

April  29f/t. — Received  the  news  that  Covent  Garden  tlieatre  was 
closed.  Without  indulging  in  any  feeling  of  vindictiveness  or  exulta- 
tion, I  cannot  but  regard  with  satisfaction  the  termination  of  this 
wretched  attempt  to  degrade  our  miserable  art  still  further  and  oppress 
its  poor  dependents  by  the  obtrusion  of  such  a  wretch  and  such  a 
villain  as  that  Bunn.  If  I  desired  vengeance  it  is  given  to  me.  I 
only  feel  satisfied  for  the  effect  in  a  professional  point  of  view. 

May  1st. — Acted  Brutus  for  the  most  part  very  well.  Called  for 
and  well  received. 

May  4t/i. — Looked  in  the  paper,  in  which  I  read  the  kind  expres- 
sions of  the  Chairman  of  the  League,  which  are  likely  to  identify  me 
in  the  minds  of  the  Corn  Law  faction  with  the  League.  Went  to 
Drury  Lane  theatre.  Disgusted  with  the  players ;  they  are — players ! 
Rehearsed  Joseph  Surface — afterwards  Acis  and  Galatea.  Stanfield 
looked  in ;  gave  me  a  note,  wishing  me  to  dine  at  the  Athenttum 
to-morrow — to  which  I  agreed.  He  also  asked  me  again  to  dine  at 
Greenwich  on  Monday,  which  I  also  assented  to. 

May  5th. — Looked  at  the  paper.  W'ent  to  Urury  Lane  theatre, 
reading  Comus.  Found  Stanfield  there  refreshing  the  scene  of  Acis 
and  Galatea,  and  afterwards  Comus.  Mr.  Almond  called  about 
his  refractory  wife,  who  had  sent  him  to  say  she  icoidd  not  play  in 
Comus  this  evening.  I  very  kindly  showed  to  him  that  she  would 
only  injure  herself  by  a  step  so  imprudent.  Spoke  to  Miss  Fortescue, 
who  declined  to  act  Maria.  I  do  not  understand  this.  Read  Comus. 
Went  to  the  Athenaeum  to  dine  with  Stanfield,  E.  Landseer  and  East- 
lake ;  Barry,  Wells,  Romilly,  etc.,  were  of  the  party.  We  all  went 
to  the  theatre ;  I  acted  Comus.  Spoke  to  Miss  Romer ;  to  Helen 
Faucit,  who  seemed  disposed  to  expect  me  to  do  an  injustice.  She 
little  knows  me,  if  it  be  so.  Note  from  Lord  Spencer,^  wishing  to 
speak  with  me. 

May  6th. — Note  from  Shakspeare  Society  ;  looked  at  the  paper. 
Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Attended  to  business ;  Lord  Spencer 
called  respecting  the  hire  of  the  theatre  for  an  agricultural  dinner  in 
July  1844.  He  seems  to  me  a  used-up  man,  not  very  well-mannered, 
a  farmer,  and  a  twaddle.  He  disappointed  me  very  much.  These  are 
the  men  to  govern  states — oh  God  !  Rehearsed  Tlic  School  for  Scandal. 
Met  the  connnltteo  and  had  a  long  conference  with  them.     They  will 

'   Formerly  Lord  Althorj),  the  Whig  Cliancellur  of  the  Exchequer. 

2o6 


1843]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

not  be  able  to  come  to  terms  with  me.  Acted  Joseph  Surface  very 
fairly. 

May  11  th. — Kenney  called  ;  soon  after  Forster,  who  was  successful 
in  his  endeavour  to  make  himself  especially  disagreeable.  Mrs.  Norton 
called.  After  dinner  read  first  act  of  Der  Freischutz,  but  previously 
— before  dinner — gave  much  time  towards  getting  my  old  books  out 
of  the  way  and  arranging  some  minerals,  etc.  After  dinner  read  over 
Athelwold,  which  I  fear  cannot  do  anything.     Read  over  Benedict. 

May  Sth. — Helen  Faucit  was  in  ill-humour  about  not  playing  Lady 
Macbeth,  upon  which  I  spoke  to  her  very  roundly,  telling  her  I  would 
not  do  an  injustice  for  any  one.  Catherine  called  for  me,  and  we 
went  to  Greenwich  to  dine  with  Stanfield.  Our  party  consisted  of  the 
Dickenses,  Quin,  Jerdan,  Liston,  Maclise,  E.  Landseer,  Grant,  Allan 
and  niece,  Forster,  who  was  stentorian,  Ainsworth,  etc.  Cheerful 
day. 

May  11th. — Saw  Willmott  and  T.  Cooke  on  the  entertainment  for 
Mrs.  Siddons's  night.  Spoke  to  Graham  about  a  night  for  his  Benefit ; 
with  Notter  about  the  wish  of  the  Covent  Garden  theatre  proprietors 
to  have  me  back  ;  told  him  I  could  not  permit  him  to  say  anything  from 
me  or  with  my  cognizance,  and  that  I  could  only  go  to  Covent  Garden 
theatre  (if  I  were  ever  at  liberty  to  entertain  the  idea)  as  a  paid 
manager.  Spoke  with  Serle.  Wrote  notes  to  Lumley,  to  Catter- 
mole,  Stanfield,  Dickens,  and  Maclise  for  their  votes  at  the  Athenasum 
for  Mr.  Domville.  Forster  called  and  invited  himself  to  dinner.  Note 
from  Dunn  on  the  part  of  the  sub-committee  declining  my  propositions, 
on  the  plea  of  the  Duke  of  Bedford's  refusal  to  leave  his  ground  rent 
on  a  chance  of  payment.  Went  down  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Saw 
Miss  Novello,  and  asked  her  to  do  Agatha  in  Dcr  Freischiitz,  which 
she  refused. 

May  ISth. — Rehearsed  Athelwold,  Dear  old  Sir  W.  Allan  called. 
I  gave  him  the  Gloucester  box,  that  he  might  see  at  his  perfect  ease. 
He  seemed  quite  afi^ected  in  shaking  hands  with  me.  Went  down 
to  the  Opera  House ;  waited  an  hour  for  Mr.  Lumley,  who  had  very 
earnest  apologies  to  make — as  needed — which  I  received  very  urbanely. 
Asked  his  permission  for  Grisi  and  Fornesari — for  Monday  22nd,  for 
Mrs.  Siddons'  monument.  He  objected  his  general  rule,  but  that  he 
would  consider  this. 

May  ISth. — Rose  at  five  o'clock,  weary,  sick,  and  uncomfortable; 
applied  briskly  to  this  unpleasant  task  of  learning  the  words  of 
Athelwold,  which  I  mastered.     Looked  at  the  paper.     Went  to  Drury 

207 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACKEADY  [1848 

Lane  theatre.  Rehearsed  the  play.  Rested,  being  very,  very  tired. 
Acted,  or  rather  scrambled  through,  Athelwold  ;  was  called  for.  After 
the  play  spoke  with  W.  Smith,  the  author,  who  came  in.  1  have 
acted  against  my  own  judgment  in  taking  this  part,  but  I  did  it  for  the 
author's  interest,  and  to  serve  Helen  Faucit.    It  has  been  a  heavy  task. 

May  Idth. — Wearied  and  worn  out.  I  felt  all  the  painful  languor 
of  overwork.  Looked  at  the  paper  and  saw,  what  I  had  before  felt, 
that  I  had  really  made  a  sacrifice  to  the  author  and  the  play  of 
Athelwold  in  taking  the  part  of  Athelwold  upon  myself.  Went  to 
Drury  Lane  theatre  quite  in  a  dejected  and  dissatisfied  state.  I  have 
actually  over-tasked  myself  for  the  last  four  days,  and  my  mind  is 
weary — sick  in  consequence.  Spoke  with  Serle  about  the  proposal  to 
tlie  proprietors,  about  which  I  am  utterly  indifferent. 

May  21st. — Walked  with  Edward  in  the  Botanical  Gardens. 
Enjoyed  the  breath  of  air  I  obtained,  but  am  really  Aveary  of  life,  and 
wish  for  peace  and  rest.  Would  that  I  were  laid  in  rest  with  my 
sweetest  angel  child.  God  help  me ! — if  indeed  He  cares  for  such 
an  unhappy  wretch  as  I  am  !     God  help  me  and  forgive  me. 

May  22n(i. — W^rote  to  Milman,  asking  him  for  an  address  for 
Siddons  night. 

May  T6rd. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Found  Forster  in 
my  room.  W^ent  with  him  to  Talfourd's  cliambers ;  dined  with  them 
and  Maynard — who,  with  Talfourd,  was  very  anxious  for  me  to  rejoin 
the  Garrick  Club. 

May  24f7i. — Note  from  Talfourd,  declining  to  write  the  Siddons 
address.  Wrote  to  JMilnes,  asking  his  aid  for  some  verses.  Wrote  to 
Marianne,  asking  her  to  get  the  Queen's  name  to  the  Siddons  monu- 
ment ;  to  Lord  Beaumont,  moving  him  to  the  same. 

May  25t/i. — Note  from  Dunn,  couched  in  very  confused  and 
impertinent  terms,  informing  me  that  the  proprietors  would  not  make 
any  change.  Enough.  Planche  called  to  know;  I  told  him  that  my 
term  would  expire  at  the  end  of  the  season.  Note  from  Dickens,  from 
Milnes.  Began  to  think  of  and  to  note  down  my  speech,  when  a  knock 
at  tlie  door  startled  us.  Merrick  gave  the  man's  name.  Pitcher — a 
fellow  who  had  written  insolent  letters  to  me.      I  said  I  would  not 

see  him.     Heard  liini  talking  in  hall,  rang  the  bell  and  told  M to 

tell  him  to  go  aAvay,  and  if  he  would  not,  to  go  for  a  policeman  to 
remove  him.  Merrick  went,  and  instantly  the  man  walked  in.  I 
asked  him  what  he  meant — liow  he  dared  come  into  my  room  ;  to  go 
out ;  this,  indeed,  lie  would  not.  I  told  him  to  go ;  he  put  something 
zo8 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

on  the  table  and  said,  "That's  a  subpoena,"  or  something  of  that 
sort.  I  told  him  to  go  out  of  my  house ;  he  slowly  went  before  me, 
turning  l)ack  and  saying  he  had  been  in  better  houses  than  mine.     I 

told  M to  go  for  a  policeman,  and  ordered  him  out ;  he  said  he 

would  not  go ;  I  told  Merrick  to  take  him  by  the  neck  and  drag  him 
out ;  he  threw  him  out  into  the  street,  and  I  made  him  take  his  paper 
and  money  (untouched)  after  him. 

May  28t/i. — Called  on  Sir  William  Curtis;  spoke  to  him  on  the 
subject  of  my  continuance,  told  him  I  would  not  pay  any  more  money, 
that  I  did  not  seek  to  leave  the  theatre,  but  was  quite  ready  to  go — 
demonstrating  to  the  public  that  I  did  not  desert  the  duty  I  had 
undertaken.  He  was  very  cordial,  very  courteous,  very  kind,  engaged 
to  call  a  committee,  and  left  it  to  me  to  arrange  with  the  actors  the 
reduction  of  their  salaries.  Called  on  Stanfield,  found  the  Dickenses 
at  his  house.  Saw  his  distemper  painting  from  Comus.  Walked  home, 
not  well ;  rested.  Dickens,  Stanfield,  Maclise,  Dr.  Quin,  Forster, 
Helen  Faucit  came  to  dinner.  Read  her  address,  and  after  all  was 
over,  cut  four  lines  out  of  it. 

May  29t7i. — Spoke  to  Mrs.  Nisbett  on  the  subject  of  next  season. 
She  subscribed  to  the  risk  of  one-third  of  her  salary.  Spoke  to  Keeley 
upon  the  reduction  of  one-third  of  salary  next  season ;  he  agreed  to  it 
most  heartily ;  to  Hudson — the  same ;  to  Mrs.  Stirling — the  same. 
Acted  King  Henry  IV.  The  house  was  very  good,  for  which  I 
am  most  thankful.^ 

May  QOth. — Spoke  to  Mrs.  Warner  on  the  subject  of  her  salary 
reduced  one-third  next  season.  She  demurred — the  only  one  who  has 
not  cheerfully  accepted  it.  Fox  called  to  express  his  gratification  at 
last  night's  performance.  Cobden  and  Wilson  of  the  Anti-Corn  Law 
League  called  to  speak  about  taking  Drury  Lane  theatre  next  3ear  for 
fourteen  nights !  Ramsbottom  called,  and  I  talked  long  with  him. 
Serle  came  in.  The  language  of  Ramsbottom  was  evidently  anxiety 
to  retain  me,  but  holding  on  forms.  Forster  called  to  state  his 
delight  at  last  night's  performance.  Acted  Leontes  tamely.  Called 
for  and  well  received.  Spoke  to  Anderson  and  Phelps  about  the 
reduction  of  salaries  one-third — both  agreed  ;  Anderson,  if  not  going 
to  United  States. 

'  The  receipts  of  this  evening's  performance  were  to  be  given  as  the  subscription  of  the 
Drury  Lane  Company  to  the  Siddons  Memorial  Fund.  The  fourth  act  oi  Henry  I V  \s%s 
performed  ;  two  acts  of  Der  Freischiitz  (in  which  Staudigl  was  the  Caspar) ;  the  farce  of  Is 
Hi  Jealous  ?  with  Mrs.  Warner,  Mrs.  Nisbett,  Mrs.  Keeley,  and  Mr.  Hudson  ;  and  Fortunio. 
—{note  by  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 


VOL.   II.  P 


209 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1843 

June  1st. — Talking  with  Catherine,  I  took  up  the  thought  of 
going  to  Westminster  Hall ;  drove  down  there.  Walked  about  the 
Hall,  went  into  the  Lord  Chancellor's  Court;  saw  Lyndhurst.^ 
Walked  in  the  Hall  and  in  the  street  with  Serle.  Mr.  Pitcher  passed 
me — the  poor,  foolish,  mischievous  man.  Heard  that  the  cause  was 
not  to  come  to-day,  and  went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Having  heard 
that  the  Committee  had  broken  up,  sent  for  Dunn  to  learn  at  least 
the  nature  of  the  resolution  they  had  arrived  at.  He  gave  me  to 
understand  that  my  terms  would  be  complied  with,  but  there  would 
be  <£700  required  to  move  on  with.  I  half  suspect  that  there  will  yet 
be  a  demur  to  my  discretionary  power  of  sub-letting  the  theatre. 

June  2nd. — Went  down  to  Westminster.  Saw  Price,  and  received 
much  civility  from  a  barrister  near  me.  Was  much  disgusted  by  the 
insulting  sneers  of  Piatt,"  no  way  bearing  upon  the  question  of  the 
truth  of  his  case,  with  which  he  indulged  himself  upon  me.  Saw  in 
this  trial — Drury  Lane  proprietors  v.  Chapman — a  picture  of  the 
falsehood,  humbug,  bullying,  and  knavery  of  this  world.  Mr.  Dunn 
came  with  the  resolutions  of  the  Committee,  the  first  of  which  was 
a  violation  of  the  established  basis  of  our  agreement,  desiring  to  make 
me  personally  responsible  for  the  minimum  rent,  etc.,  and  again 
a  paltry  evasion  of  my  primary  stipulation  for  an  uncontrolled  right 
to  sub-let  the  theatre.  I  peremptorily  declined  them.  Dunn  asked 
me  if  I  would  go  up  to  the  Committee.  I  said  it  was  useless  unless 
those  two  conditions  were  rescinded.  He  returned  and  said  the 
Committee  regretted  my  relinquishment,  but  it  must  be  so.  Immedi- 
ately entered  on  the  business  of  arrangements  for  extending  the  season 
so  as  to  close  on  Monday,  June  12th  ;  gave  orders ;  wrote  advertise- 
ments ;  settled  plays,  etc.  Wrote  to  Marianne,^  asking  her  to  apply 
to  the  Queen  for  a  command. 

June  3rd. — Went  down  to  Westminster.  Saw  Talfourd  and  Serjeant 
Murphy,  lalfourd  walked  with  me  some  time,  and  then  went  with 
me  into  the  Bail  Court.  He  wished  me  to  go  into  the  Queen's  Bench, 
but  I  heard  that  I  should  soon  be  called.  Some  counsel  very  oblig- 
ingly accommodated  me  with  a  seat.  Several  witnesses,  who  were  called 
and  examined  by  Piatt,  swore  falsely  right  on.  I  was  called,  and 
had  my  presence  of  mind  given  to  me  at  once  by  the  bullying  demeanour 
of   Piatt,   which   I   met   with   decided   resolution   and   confronted   him 

'    Then,  for  the  third  iime,  Lord  Chancellor. 
*  See  note,  p.  i6i. 

'  Miss  Marianne  Skerrett  (see  note,  p.  193). 
210 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

with  equal  purpose.  I  overturned  all  he  had  tried  by  the  preceding 
witnesses  to  establish,  and  received  the  applause  of  the  Court,  which 
was,  of  course,  stopped,  for  one  of  the  answers  I  gave  him.  I  gave 
the  real  account  of  that  man  Pitcher's  outrageous  entry  here,  and  on 
being  cross-examined  by  Knowles,  was  asked:  "Did  you,  when  he 
made  this  entry,  kick  him  out  of  doors?  "  "  No,  I  did  not."  "  Then 
I  wonder  at  your  forbearance.  I  think  you  would  have  been  justified 
in  doing  it."  Knowles  passed  an  eulogium  upon  me,  which  the  Court 
applauded.     I  left  with  Serle  after  the  Judge's  charge. 

June  5th. — Wrote  to  Mr.  Anson, ^  asking  him  to  lay  the  request 
for  a  State  visit  before  the  Prince.  Saw  Miss  P.  Horton  on  business. 
Sent  to  Staudigl  to  act  Hecate,  which  he  refused.  I  was  glad  to  find 
so  much  to  disgust  me  and  reconcile  me  to  my  departure.  Knowles 
called  in  to  say  he  was  sorry,  and  had  intended  to  write  a  great  part 
for  me ! 

June  Sih. — Mr.  Planche  called  to  explain  his  permission  to  the 
Sadler's  Wells  manager  to  act  my  piece,  Fortunio.  His  conduct  was 
dishonest,  his  attempt  at  excuse  shuffling.  He  is  what  I  suspected 
him.  Serle  looked  in.  Saw  a  very  good  letter  in  the  Times  newspaper 
about  my  retirement  from  Drury  Lane.  Continued  my  attention  to 
the  address.  Forster  called  and  told  me  the  Duke  of  Cambridge  ^  is 
to  present  the  testimonial  to  me. 

June  1th. — Received  a  note  from  W.  Anson,  informing  me  that 
the  Queen  would  command  on  Monday,  an  act  of  kindness  which  I 
felt  very  much.  Sir  William  Martin  called  to  give  me  the  official 
intimation  of  Her  Majesty's  visit.  Dickens  and  Forster  had  called 
in  the  course  of  the  day  to  tell  me  they  were  seeking  a  place  for  the 
presentation  of  the  testimonial.  Forster  called  in  the  evening  to  say 
it  was  to  be  Willis's  rooms.  Mrs.  Warner  spoke  to  me  about  her 
embarrassment  between  Drury  Lane  and  Haymarket.  A  very 
courteous  note  from  a  Mr.  Leech  inviting  me  to  the  Rugby  dinner. 

June  8th. — Looked  at  the  paper.  A  note  from  Mr.  Anson  brought 
by  an  orderly,  wishing  me  to  call  on  him  at  the  Palace  at  six.  I  was 
obliged  to  write  and  explain  that  I  could  not,  but  suggested  Much 

*  George  Anson  (1797-1867)  ;  equerry  to  Prince  Albert  (Prince  Consort).  One  of  the 
handsomest  men  of  his  day  ;  served  in  the  Guards  at  Waterloo ;  became  eventually  com- 
mander-in-chief in  India,  where  he  died  just  before  the  mutiny,  to  grapple  with  which  his 
military  experience  and  capacity  would  certainly  have  been  far  from  equal. 

The  father  of   the  late  Duke,  chiefly   noteworthy  for  his   eccentricities,   conspicuous 
among  which  was  his  invariable  ejaculation,  "  By  all  means,"  in  response  to  the  clergyman's 
Let  us  pray,"  during  divine  service. 

P  2  211 


THE   DIARIES    OF    MACREADY  [1843 

Ado  About  Notliing  as  the  play.  Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatie  con- 
sidering- address.  Attended  there  to  business  with  Mr.  Elton,  who 
wished  to  be  paid  to  the  end  of  the  season  and  excused  performing 
the  only  yufflit  that  he  is  wanted!     Tliese  arc  actors  1 

June  {)t}i. — Note  from  Sir  W.  Martin,  inforniinff  me  that  As  You 
Like  It  and  the  Thumping  Legacy  are  connnanded.  1  was  much 
annoyed  by  the  selection,  which  does  me  710  good.  Suffered  from 
annoyance  about  the  Command,  the  benefit  of  which  is  gone,  as  far 
as  any  remote  f^ood  is  concerned.  Called  on  Dickens,  who  told  me 
of  the  Duke  of  Cambridi-e's  j)»irpose  of  present injj^  the  testimonial  at 
twelve  for  one  on  Monday  lOtli. 

June  10f/». — Mr.  Ik^thune'  called  and  sat  witii  me  some  time. 
In  a  strictly  private  conversation  he  talked  with  me  on  the  subject 
of  the  bill  he  is  conunissioned  to  prejiare  with  regard  to  theatres. 
Appointed  to  see  him  at  his  office  on  Thursday  next  at  three  o'clock. 
Very  kind  note  with  the  offer  of  her  box  for  Monday  night  from  Miss 
Coutts. 

June  12i/j. — Went  to  Drury  Lane  tiieatre.  A  day  of  business, 
speaking  to  people,  settling  little  matters,  giving  orders,  etc.  (iave 
the  actors  invitations,  refused  several  applications  for  admission.  Saw 
Lord  J)elawarr  about  the  Queen's  box,  etc.  Afterwards  was  bothered 
by  Sir  William  Martin.  Sent  and  took  Andrew's  box  for  Her 
Majesty's  suite.     Acted  Jacques  very  well.     Was  called  for  and  the 

Queen  sent  to  order  me  to  go  on,  but  I  was  undressed.     Lord  G * 

was  as  officious  as  if  he  had  been  stage  manager  on  £2  per  week.  Saw 
Lord  Charles  Wellesley  and  Sir  William  Curtis,  who  regretted  my 
relin(iuishment.  When  the  Queen  came  from  her  box,  she  stopped 
Lord  Dehiwarr  and  asked  for  me.  She  said  she  was  much  pleased,  and 
thanked  me.  Prince  Albert  asked  me  if  this  was  not  the  original 
play.  I  fold  him:  'Yes,  that  we  had  restored  the  original  text.' 
After  lighting  them  out,  I  went  into  the  scene-room,  which  was  filled 
with  people,  all  delighted  with  their  evening. 

Jitne  null. — Notes  from  Charles  Young,  also  one  from  a  Captain 
Younge,  inquiring  if  his  brother  II.  Younge  had  really  died  from 
a  nervous  disorder  brought  on  by  the  circumstance  of  my  having 
discharged  him  !  'I'iie  man  to  whom  I  gave  a  situation — almost  a 
binecure,  and  adiled  a  gift  of  £25 — this  season!     Leslie,  from  whom 

•  Mr.  Drinkwutcr  Bethiine,  then  Parliamentary  Draftsman  to  the  Government.  — (w^/' 
by  Sir  F.  Poliock.) 

'  The  l.arl  of  Glengall,  one  of  the  Drur}'  Lnne  Committee. 
212 


1843]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

I  had  received  a  note  in  the  morning,  called  to  see  Miss  Horton  and 
sketch  her  dress.     Laboured  at  my  speech. 

June  14>th. — Wrote  out  my  address  in  anticipation  of  inquiry  for 
it  this  evening.  Went  to  Drury  Lane  theatre.  Attended  to  business ; 
very  low  in  spirits ;  could  scarcely  repress  the  tears  that  rose  to  my 
eyes  when  Miss  Horton  spoke  to  me.  Rehearsed  the  two  or  three 
short  scenes  of  Macbeth.  Gave  directions  to  Sloman,  etc.,  to  put 
the  scenes  and  properties  in  good  order  to  be  rendered  up  to  the 
proprietors.  Saw  Serle  on  business.  Dined  very  early.  Rested  and 
thought  over  my  character  and  my  address.  Was  in  the  lowest 
state  of  depression — was  actually  ill  from  my  state  of  mind.  Spoke 
to  Mr.  Willmott  upon  what  was  needful  to  be  done.  On  appearing 
in  Macbeth,  the  whole  house  rose  with  such  continued  shouting  and 
waving  of  hats  and  handkerchiefs  that  I  was  quite  overcome ;  I  was 
never  so  affected  by  the  expression  of  sympathy  by  an  audience. 
When  wearied  with  shouting,  they  changed  the  applause  to  a  stamp- 
ing of  feet,  which  sounded  like  thunder ;  it  was  grand  and  awful !  I 
never  saw  such  a  scene !  I  was  resolved  to  act  my  best,  and  I  think  I 
never  played  Macbeth  so  well.  I  dressed  as  quickly  as  I  could,  and 
went  forward  to  receive  another  reception  from  that  densely  crowded 
house,  that  seemed  to  emulate  the  first.  It  was  unlike  anything  that 
ever  occurred  before.  I  spoke  my  speech,  and  retired  with  the  same 
mad  acclaim.^  Dickens,  H.  Smith,  Forster  and  Stanfield,  Serle  came 
into  my  room.     They  did  not  seem  struck  with  the  speech. 

June  16th. — Wrote  to  Mr.   Anson  a  letter  of  thanks  to  Prince 

'  The  playbills  had  announced  the  relinquishment  of  Mr.  Macready's  direction  oi  the 
theatre,  and  his  last  appearance  in  London  for  a  very  considerable  period.  The  season 
(1842-3)  had  been  marked  by  the  production  of  Shakspeare's //x  Yoti  Like  It,  Kins;  John, 
Much  Ado  About  Nothing,  and  Cymheline  ;  of  the  new  plays  of  The  Patrician's  Daughter, 
The  Blot  on  the  'Scutcheon,  The  Secretary,  and  Athdwold ;  of  Mr.  Planch^'s  Fortunio  (as  an 
Easter  piece),  and  of  the  opera  of  Sappho,  and  of  the  operetta  The  Queen  of  the  Thames. 
To  these  must  be  added  Congreve's  Love  for  Love,  adapted  for  representation,  and  Dryd  n's 
King  Arthur,  which  neither  obtained  nor  deserved  the  success  oi  Acis  and  Galatea,  Planche's 
Follies  of  a  Night,  Morton's  Thumping  Legacy,  and  the  other  new  farces  of  the  Attic  Story 
and  The  Eton  Boy.  There  had  also  been  performed,  of  Shakspeare's  plays,  Hamlet, 
Macbeth,  Othello,  The  Winter  s  Tale,  Julius  C<esar,  Henry  IV,  and  Catherine  and  Petruchio  ; 
the  other  plays  of  She  Stoops  to  Conquer,  The  School  for  Scandal,  The  Pivals,  The  IVay  to 
Keep  Him,  The  Provoked  Husband,  The  Jealous  Wife,  The  Stranger,  The  Road  to  Ruin, 
Jane  Shore,  Virginius,  Werner,  The  Lady  of  L^yons,  Marino  Faliero  ;  also  Ac  is  and  Galatea, 
The  Prisoner  of  War,  and  The  Midnight  Hour  ;  the  operas  of  Der  Freischiitz,  The  Duenna, 
Gazza  Ladra,  and  Sonnambula,  and  the  minor  pieces  of  Patter  v.  Clatter,  The  Loan  of  a 
Lover,  Is  He  Jealous?  The  Wind?nill,  together  with  the  usual  Christmas  pantomime,  which 
was  founded  on  the  story  of  William  Tell.— (wij/^  by  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 

213 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1843 

Albert  and  the  Queen.  Called  at  the  "^Fhatclied  House  Tavern  and 
put  down  my  name  for  the  Rugby  dinner.  Went  on  to  Drury  Lane 
theatre.  Saw  Serle,  Anderson,  Willmott,  C\  Jones,  business  with 
all ;  gave  orders ;  saw  my  closets  emptied — my  heart  was  over  full. 
At  Sloman's  request  I  passed  round  the  scene-rooms  and  saw  all  put 
away  in  the  best  order.  I  could  have  wept  to  think  of  all  these 
efforts  and  expenditure  come  to  nothing !  I  desired  Jones  to  give 
up  the  theatre  to  Dunn,  I  could  not  bear  to  look  at  it  again.  Came 
home  dejected  to  the  last  degree.  Dined  with  Everett ;  met  the 
Leicester  Stanhopes,  Mrs.  Norton,  E.  Landseer,  Hayward,  Rives. 

Ju7ie  Idili. — Woke  early  to  go  over  the  speech  ;  got  up  to  hammer 
at  the  speech.  Mr.  Brewster  called;  still  the  speech.  Note  from 
Johnson ;  continued  driving  at  this  si)eech,  disheartened,  dismayed 
and  despairing,  till  the  hour  arrived  for  me  to  attend  at  Willis's  rooms. 
I  drove  down  there,  saw  Dickens,  Forster,  D'Eyncourt,^  Maclise  at 
the  door.  D'Eyncourt  took  me  into  the  committee  room  ;  Bourne 
was  there  and  two  sons  of  D'Eyncourt.  The  Duke  of  Cambridge 
came  soon  after,  and  asked  many  questions  about  the  testimonial,  which 
stood  in  the  room,  and  which  he  very  much  admired.  I  was  introduced 
to  him,  and  he  talked  to  me  for  some  time  about  Drury  Lane  theatre 
very  complimentarily.  At  one  o'clock  we  went  into  the  great  room. 
The  platform  was  crowded,  but  I  could  not  look,  and  therefore  recog- 
nized very  few.  The  Duke  spoke  better  than  I  have  ever  heard  him. 
I  hesitated,  and  could  not  proceed  at  the  passage  of  the  stage  business. 
I  was  enabled  only  through  the  applause  to  recover  myself.  The  Duke 
took  his  leave,  and  I,  after  a  few  words  with  Bulwer,  whom  I  saw,  left 
the  room,  sought  my  carriage,  disgusted  with  myself  and  sick  of  all — 
except  the  love  which  I  felt  many  of  the  assembled  multitude  to  bear 
me,  and  yet  to  what  good?  Drove  home,  weary  and  disgusted.  A 
note  from  Mrs.  Norton. 

June  28f/?. — Looked  at  paper ;  saw,  what  I  had  heard  yesterday, 
the  death  of  John  Murray — Byron's  publisher — at  one  time  "  the 
publisher."  "^  How  the  peojile  of  my  life  are  falling  fast  around  me. 
A  warning ! 

*  The  Right  Hon.  Charles  Tennyson  D'Eyncourt  (1784-1861);  formerly  Tennyson,  a 
relation  of  the  Laureate  ;  a  "  progressive"  Whig  ;  sat  in  Parliament  for  various  constituencies 
from  181 8  to  1S52. 

-  John  Murray  {1778- 1843) !  founder  of  the  well-known  publishing  firm,  and  originator 

of  the  Quarlerly  Review.     His  relations  with  Byron  are  one  of  the  most  piquant  features  of 

the  poet's  Letters  and  Journals.     His  misgivings  as  to  Don  Juan  procured  for  him  perhaps 

the  most  pun<;cnt  description  that   Byron  ever  penned:    "Mr.  John  Murray  of  Albemarle 

214 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

June  29i/i. — Dickens  called  for  me,  and  calling  for  Forster,  with 
whom  was  Procter ;  we  went  to  the  London  Tavern  and  dined  at  the 
Sanatorium  Dinner,  I,ord  Ashley  ^  in  the  chair.  I  sat  next  to  Lord 
R.  Grosvenor,^  his  left  supporter.  I  liked  him  very  much.  Dickens 
spoke  the  best,  Forster  very  fairly,  Dillon  very  well.  I  returned  thanks 
briefly  for  the  stewards.  Walked  home  with  Dickens,  Forster  and 
Procter. 

July  1st. — Went  to  breakfast  with  Milnes ;  met  a  captain  from 
China,  a  Mr.  Rowley,  from  the  borders  of  Abyssinia,  Carlyle,  Chevalier 
Bunsen,  Lord  Morpeth  and  several  other  agreeable  people  whose  names 
I  did  not  catch.  I  spent  a  pleasant  morning,  liking  Bunsen  very  much 
indeed.  Lord  Morpeth  very  much.  Went  down  to  Westminster  Hall 
and  saw  the  cartoons  ;  most  pleased  with  Caractacus  led  in  triumph 
through  Rome  and  the  Trial  by  Jury,  but  also  pleased  with  the 
Landing  of  Cassar  and  the  Battle  for  the  Beacon.  Saw  several  persons 
that  I  knew,  to  whom  I  did  not  speak,  as  I  did  not  know  how  far 
they  might  think  themselves  lowered  in  their  own  opinion  by  speaking 
to  me.  Read  the  number  of  Chuzzlewit's  landing  in  America, 
which  I  do  not  like.  It  will  not  do  Dickens  good,  and  I  grieve 
over  it. 

July  mth. — Still  very  unwell,  and  kept  in  bed  late  from  the  state 
of  my  head.  Mr.  Phelps  called,  and  I  saw  him  ;  he  came  to  speak 
about  the  debt  due  from  him ;  in  the  course  of  conversation  I  asked 
if  he  would  like  to  go  to  America — as  it  occurred  to  me.  He  said 
"of  all  things."  We  talked  on,  and  I  promised  to  consult  the  agent 
(Maywood)  on  the  matter.  I  stated  that  I  could  guarantee  nothing, 
but  if  the  chance  of  ,£30  per  week  and  his  expenses  to  and  fro  offered 
as  likely,  would  he  be  satisfied?  He  said  he  would.  T.  Landseer 
came  to  tea  and  to  take  sketches  of  the  children. 

July  23rd. — Went  to  Behnes.^  Sat  to  him.  D'Orsay  came  in 
and  stayed  about  three  quarters  of  an  hour.  What  a  delightful 
person  he  is !  He  took  great  interest  in  the  bust.  Mr.  Lewis  called 
and  sat  three  hours !  ! !  Messrs.  Phelps  and  Maywood  came  to  dinner, 
and  we  talked  over  the  subject  of  his  accompanying  us  to  the  United 

Street,   the  most   timid  of  God's  publishers."      Murray,  by  his  honourable  and  liberal 
dealings  undoubtedly  improved  the  publisher's  status,  and  in  no  way  deserved  the  malignan 
strictures  passed  upon  him  by  the  late  Lord  Lovelace  in  Astarie. 
'  Afterwards  the  well-known  Earl  of  Shaftesbury  (1801-1885). 

*  Afterwards  the  first  Lord  Ebury  (1801-1893)  ?  prominent  as  a  Sablatarian. 

*  William  Behnes,  a  sculptor  at  one  time  in  great  request ;  he  afterwards  fell  on  evil 
days  and  ended  miserably. 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1848 

States.  I  T^ould  not  urge  him,  nor  press  him  for  an  answer;  he  would 
take  some  days  to  consider  of  it. 

Jithi  ^ith. — Went  to  Briggs.'  Mrs.  Opie  *  sat  with  us.  Nina 
called  for  me ;  Mrs.  Opie  seemed  pleased  with  her,  dear  child.  She 
took  leave  of  me — sadly,  as  if  we  might  never  meet  again.  I  imagine 
we  never  shall.  "Went  to  the  exhibition  with  them.  Admired  par- 
ticularly Eastlake's  Hagar,  and  Etty's,  Hart's,  Redgrave's,  Eddis's, 
Stone's.  Went  to  Home  Office ;  waited  and  had  a  conference  with 
Manners  Sutton,  to  whom  I  complained  of  the  injustice  done  to 
myself  and  the  dramatic  art  by  the  Bill  of  Sir  J.  Graham  as  it  stands. 
I  urged  the  right  of  acting  Shakspeare  being  given  to  the  licensed 
theatres  if  the  patent  theatres  were  unable  to  act  his  works.  He 
promised  to  take  it  into  consideration.^  Lord  Hatherton,  Rogers, 
Miss  Rogers,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Everett,  Sir  Charles  Morgan,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Fonblanque,  Charles  BuUer  and  Kenyon  came  to  dinner.  A  quiet 
and  rather  dull  day. 

August  1st. — Called  with  Nina  and  Katie  on  Richmond,*  the  artist; 
found  him  intelligent  and  agreeable.  Called  on  Thorburn  *  and  agreed 
with  him  for  two  miniatures. 

August  3rd. — Mr.  Ryder  called,  and  I  proposed  to  him  to  accom- 
pany me  to  the  States ;  heard  that  Mr.  Bunn  was  the  lessee  of  Drury 
Lane.  This  is,  on  the  part  of  the  committee,  shameful — to  the  art, 
actors,  and  the  public.  Mr.  Ryder  will  give  his  answer  to  me  on 
Saturday.  Proceeded  to  Ling's  Hotel  to  see  Mr.  Bennett  of  the  New 
York  Herald.  I  saw  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bennett.  He  is  an  ugly  and 
ungentlemanly  likeness  of  John  W^ilkes.  I  was  as  civil  as  possible, 
gave  him  my  card,  hoped  to  see  him  on  my  return,  etc. 

August  5th. — Mr.  Ryder  called  to  say  that  he  would  be  happy 
to  accompany  me  to  the  United  States. 

August  Sth. — Went  to  the  opera — changed  from  Don  Pasquale 
to  Semiramide.  W^hat  trash  1  what  arrant  nonsense  this  style  of 
entertainment  is !     Oh,  Voltaire,  you  had  a  little  more  sense,  a  great 

'  Henry  Perronet  Briggs,  R.A.  ( 1 791-1844)  ;  a  portrait-painter  of  some  repute  in  his  day. 

>  Mrs.  Amtlia  Opie  (1769-1853);  tt/e  Alderson,  novelist  and  poet;  second  wife  of 
John  Opie,  R.A. 

'  The  Licensing  Act  afterwards  passed  in  1843  extended  the  Lord  Chamberlain's  juris- 
diction to  the  whole  of  the  metropolis  ;  and  since  its  passing  the  monoply  of  the  old  patent 
theatres  to  perform  the  regular  drama  has  ceased  to  exist. — (note  by  Sir  f.  Pollock.) 

*  George  Richmond,  R.A.  { 1 809-1 896)  ;  the  eminent  portrait-painter;  nearly  every 
Victorian  celebrity  of  both  sexes  sat  to  him.     Father  of  Sir  W.  B.  Richmond,  R.A. 

»  RoVert  Thornburn  {1818-1885),  A.R.A.  ;  the  fashionable  miiiiature-painter  of  his  day. 
216 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

deal  more  taste,  and  a  world  more  of  virtue  than  the  self-praised 
aristocracy  of  England — the  gold-besotted,  prurient,  frivolous,  and 
heartless  wretches!  The  cellars  and  garrets  of  Manchester  and  the 
dens  and  pig-holes  of  Ireland  are  echoing  the  moans  of  agony,  as  the 
boxes  of  these  things  in  the  opera  house  are  shaking  with  their 
applause  of — what?  Heard  Grisi,  Fornesari,  who  were  very  bad. 
Saw  Cerito,  a  very  agile  and  graceful  dancer ;  Fanny  Ellsler,  an 
exceedingly  vulgar  one. 

August  9i/i. — Went  to  my  first  sitting  with  Thorburn,  whom  I 
liked  very  much,  and  with  whom  I  spent  a  very  agreeable  hour  and 
a  half.  Paid  him  in  cheque  of  £21,  half  his  charge  for  Catherine's 
and  my  miniature.  Returning  home,  saw  paper,  with  Lord  Glengall's 
observation  in  the  House  of  Lords  on  my  petition,^  that  it  was  more 
marked  by  '*  self-sufficiency,  self-conceit,  and  vanity  "  than  any 
petition  ever  presented  to  that  House.  My  assailant  is  Lord  Glengall. 
I  rejoice  in  finding  my  enemies  such  men  as  he. 

August  10th. — Took  Willie  into  the  banqueting-room,  now  Chapel 
Royal,  of  Whitehall ;  showed  him  the  ceiling  painted  by  Rubens. 
The  attendant  told  us  that  the  public  were  not  allowed  to  come  on 
Sundays  into  those  carpeted  places — the  church — but  might  go  into 
the  gallery ;  the  pews  and  centre  of  the  church  being  reserved  for 
the  nobility  and  gentry,  preached  to  by  the  Bishop  of  London ; 
and  God  hears  these  things  call  themselves  followers  of  Jesus 
Christ ! 

August  11th. — Went  to  Westminster,  and  called  upon  the  Dean,' 
whom  I  found  an  agreeable  and  most  good-natured  man.  I  explained 
my  business  to  him,  viz.  to  ask  the  remission  of  the  Dean  and  Chapter 
fees  in  the  case  of  Mrs.  Siddons's  monument.  He  went  with  me 
into  the  Abbey,  and  I  showed  him  the  sites  selected  by  Chantrey ;  we 
talked  much.  He  wished  me  to  return  to  see  a  portrait  of  Ben 
Jonson  by  Vandyke,  a  very  charming  thing.  He  showed  me  many 
others ;  some  very  good  ones,  a  Rembrandt,  a  portrait  of  Wilson,  etc. 
He  then  wished  me  to  return  to  his  study,  and  I  sat  with  him  some 
time. 

August  14t/?. — Called  on  Milnes,  on  Rogers.  Found  at  home 
letters  from  David  Colden,  in  a  more  cheering  tone  of  America ;  from 
Miss  Martineau,  angry  with  Dickens — and  not  unreasonably  so. 

August  9,1st. — Mrs.  Norton  has  sent  a  note  inviting  us  to  meet 

^  Against  the  patent  theatres. 

*  Dr.  Turton,  afterwards  Bishop  of  E\v.—{nofe  by  Sir  F.  PoUock.') 

217 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1843 

Lord  Melbourne  at  her  house  to-morrow,  as  he  wished  to  speak  to 
me  about  tlie  theatre.     Catherine  accepted  the  invitation. 

August  22nd. — A  Mr.  '^J'enniel  ^  called  to  see  nie.  Dined  with 
Mrs.  Norton ;  met  Lady  Conyngham,^  Lord  Melbourne,"^  Sidney 
Herbert,'^  Kohl  and  the  Sheridans.     Rogers  came  in  in  the  evening. 

August  25f/^. — Sat  again  to  Thorburn.  Lady  Clanricarde  ^  was 
eitiier  afraid  ( !)  or  too  proud  to  pass  me  in  the  drawing-room  to  take 
her  bonnet,  and  for  her  accommodation  I  walked  into  the  room 
down-stairs !  ! 

August  26i/i. — Went  to  Richmond,  to  the  Star  and  Garter,  wliere 
I  was  received  by  the  party  expecting  me,  Dickens,  Maclise,  Barham, 
E.  Landseer,  Fox,  Dillon,  F.  Stone,  Stanfield,  Forster,  George  Ray- 
mond, Quin,  H.  Smith,  Carew,  an  amateur  singer.  A  very  elegant 
dinner,  and  enjoyed  by  a  company  in  the  most  perfect  harmony  of 
feeling  and  spirits.  Dickens  proposed  the  only  toast  of  the  evening, 
my  health,  etc.,  in  a  very  feeling  and  eloquent  speech.  I  had  not 
had  time  before  to  ponder  the  circumstances  of  my  departure,  and  I 
quite  broke  down  under  it.  I  could  not  speak  for  tears,  or  very 
inefficiently.  Afterwards  a  most  joyous  evening,  and  the  warmest 
emotions  of  regard  and  regret  pervaded  the  party. 

September  1st. — Forster  told  me  at  dinner  that  he  had  written 
a  very  strong  letter  to  Dickens,  endeavouring  to  dissuade  him  from 
accompanying  me  on  board  the  steamship.  I  thought  for  Dickens's 
sake  he  was  quite  right,  but  did  not  feel  the  full  amount  of  mischief 
to  myself. 

September  2nd. — Received  a  present  from  Forster  of  shirt-studs, 
very  handsome,  which  I  had  rather  he  had  not  given.  Wrote  to  him 
acknowledging  it.  Went  to  Kensal  Green  Cemetery  to  pay  my  parting 
tribute  of  love  and  sorrow  at  the  tomb  of  my  blessed  child.  God  knows 
if  I  may  ever  be  able  to  pay  that  dear  and  tender  duty  again.  Read 
the  number  of  Chuzzlewit,  the  most  powerful  of  the  book  which  Dickens 
is  now  employed  upon,  but  as  bitter  as  it  is  powerful,  and  against  whom 
is  this  directed?     "Against  the  Americans,"  is  the  answer.     Against 

1  Now  (Ae  Mr.  Tennicl,  the  famous  cartoonist. 

*  (jeorge  IV's  "enchantress." 

»  Tlie ex-Prime  Minister,  defendant  in  the  action  for  crim.  c  'n.  by  Mrs.  Norton's  husband. 

■»  Sidney  Herbert  (1810-1861) ;  the  distinguished  statesman,  afterwards  Lord  Herbert  of 
Lea.  The  dinner-party  is  noteworthy  as  including  three  persons  who  were  prototypes  of 
prominent  characters  in  George  Meredith's  novel,  Diana  of  the  Crossways,  namely,  Mrs. 
Norton,  Lord  Melbourne,  and  Sidney  Herbert. 

*  Harriet,  Marchioness  of  Clanricardc,  only  daughter  of  George  Canning,  the  statesman. 

218 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

how  many  of  them  ?  How  many  answer  to  his  description  ?  I  am 
grieved  to  read  the  book.  Received  a  letter  from  him  telUng  me  that 
he  had  received  a  strong  expostulary  letter  from  Captain  Marryat  on 
the  subject  of  his  accompanying  me,  and  that,  on  my  account,^  he 
would  therefore  deny  himself  the  indulgence  of  shaking  hands  with  me 
on  board  ship.  His  letter  was  generous,  affectionate,  and  most  friendly. 
But  why  did  he  say  Marryat  had  written,  when  it  was  Forster  ?  Went 
to  London  Library,  where  Catherine  and  the  children,  returning  from 
their  breakfast  with  Rogers,  met  me.  Dickens  and  Forster  came,  and 
H.  Smith  and  Rogers.  We  met  Catherine  at  the  door  of  Buckingham 
Palace  Garden,  were  shown  the  pavilion  in  the  garden  (how  beautiful 
the  garden  is !),  and  the  frescoes  of  Etty,  Stanfield,  Maclise,  Leslie, 
Sir  W.  Ross,  a  beginning  by  Edwin  Landseer.  Stanfield's  looks  best. 
Went  through  the  state-rooms  of  the  palace.  The  pictures  are  excel- 
lent. Took  leave  of  Rogers,  running  after  him  in  the  garden  ;  we 
parted  most  cordially.  Took  leave  of  H.  Smith  and  Dickens,  who 
were  most  affectionate.  Sent  note,  with  Catherine's  signature  and  my 
book,  to  Ransom's.  Called  on  the  Bishops,  Sir  Isaac  Goldsmid,  Hol- 
ford,  Jonathan  Birch,  J.  Morris,  Mr.  Butler,  Mrs.  Rolls.  Packed  up 
my  little  bag.  Forster  dined  with  us.  Set  off  for  Brighton ;  read  a 
few  lines  of  Madame  de  Stael.  Notes  and  letters  of  introduction  from 
Leslie,  most  kind. 

September  2rd. — Rose  early  and  left  Brighton  by  the  first  train, 
reading  by  the  way  Madame  de  Stael's  Treatise  on  the  Art  of  Acting. 
Thought  much.  Arrived  at  home ;  instantly  applied  myself  to 
business,  packing  with  all  speed.  Captain  Marryat  called  to  shake 
hands  with  me.  Thorburn,  whom  I  paid  for  his  miniatures,  etc., 
C.  Jones,  General  Alexander,  kind  man.  Arranged  my  accounts ;  con- 
tinued packing.  T.  Landseer  called  as  we  were  in  the  carriage  to  call 
on  him ;  he  went  with  us  to  his  brother's,  who  was  from  home.  Called 
on  King,  Lady  Blessington,  whom  I  saw ;  Elliotson,  not  at  home ; 
Procter  and  Kenyon.  Wrote  to  Leslie.  Dined  with  the  children. 
God  for  ever  bless  them.  D'Orsay  and  Edwin  Landseer  called  ;  just 
shook  hands  with  them.  Note  from  Lady  Blessington.  Sent 
Siddons's  paper,  with  note  and  order  on  Coutts's  to  Stanfield.  Wrote 
a  note  to  Lord  Hatherton.     Packed  up.     Heard  my  blessed  children 

*  Because  he  thought  that  Macready's  reception  in  the  United  States  might  be  prejudiced 
if  it  were  known  that  he  had  been  accompanied  on  his  departure  from  England  by  the  writer 
of  Chuzzlc7vit  and  of  the  American  Notes.  ^Sec  Forster's  Life  of  Dickens  under  this  dale.)— 
{note  by  Sir  F.  Pollock.) 

219 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1843 

their  pra3ers,  and  then  read  prayers  among  us  all.  My  God,  hear 
Thou  and  grant  me  to  find  in  a  happy  return  those  precious 
beings  improved  in  health  of  mind  and  body,  and  progressing  in 
the  paths  of  wisdom  and  virtue,  happy  in  their  own  belief  of  doing 
right.     Amen. 

To  Liverpool,  September  4f/j. — Rose  at  a  very  early  hour ;  prepared 
for  my  departure ;  kissed  my  beloved  cliildren.  Very  nearly  losing  our 
train  through  the  negligence  of  the  cabman.  Arrived,  and  started 
at  the  moment  from  railway  station.  A  sleepy,  dull  journey.  Reached 
Birmingham  ;  amused  with  the  passengers  there.  Landed  and  set  off 
in  the  Liverpool  train.  Very  much  wearied  and  distressed  with  fatigue. 
Forster  and  Thompson  were  at  the  railway  waiting  for  us.  Went  to 
Adelphi,  from  thence  to  the  river,  where  we  took  boat  to  near  the 
Caledonia,  a  very  comfortable  ship,  in  which  I  saw  my  luggage  land. 
Forster  gave  me  a  very  kind  letter  from  Blanchard.  Forster  dined 
with  us,  and  we  passed  a  cheerful  evening. 

September  5th. — Took  leave,  after  some  fond  and  sad  talk,  cheer- 
fully and  well  of  my  dearest  wife  and  sister.  Went  with  Forster  to 
the  quay.  We  reached  the  ship  and  came  on  board.  What  a  scene ! 
Bade  dear  Forster  farewell ;  he  was  greatly  affected.  I  looked  at  my 
fellow-passengers — eighty.  Thought  of  my  wife  ;  watched  the  gorgeous 
sunset  and  the  soft  moon.  Took  tea;  watched  Liverpool,  or  where 
it  was,  till  the  lights  could  no  more  be  seen. 

September  GtJi. — My  night  had  been  tranquil,  but  it  gave  me  little 
sleep;  the  sea  was  quite  calm.  My  thoughts  were,  as  they  had  been, 
of  where  my  Catherine  and  my  children  were,  what  they  were  doing, 
and  where  I  was.  Were  they  thinking  of  me?  Observed  my  fellow- 
passengers,  amused  with  the  conceit  and  assumption  of  many,  the 
fantastic  costumes  that,  with  eitlier  perfect  indifference  or  a  sense  of 
attractiveness,  leaned,  stood  or  paraded  on  the  deck.  I  fell  into  con- 
versation with  a  very  intelligent  American,  apparently  a  Southerner. 
I  liked  him  very  much.  Resolved  to  do  my  utmost  to  use  my  time,  and 
felt  thankful  for  this  tranquil  commencement  of  our  voyage,  which 
enables  me  to  get  my  room  in  order.  There  are  indications  of  a  roll. 
How  the  weather  may  act  upon  my  designs  of  employment  is  to  be 
seen.  Began  to-day  to  feel  a  little  motion.  My  thoughts  were  almost 
entirely  of  home,  where  Catherine  might  be,  of  what  she  might  be 
thinking.  I  feel  now  in  the  drear  monotony  of  this  life  my  utter 
loneliness.  The  voyage,  its  chances,  and  the  year — its  chances  too — 
before  me !  There  is  little  to  interest  in  my  fellow-passengers,  though 
220 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

much  to  remark,  but  I  want  convenience  and  freedom  of  mind  to  take 
advantage  of  it. 

September  St/i. — After  coming  on  deck  I  introduced  myself 
to  Judge  Haliburton,  alias  Sam  Slick,  and  had  some  pleasant  con- 
versation with  him.  I  chiefly  noted  in  him  the  strong  expression 
of  humour  in  his  countenance  when  he  smiles ;  there  is  fun  in  every 
wrinkle. 

September  l^th. — Rose  with  returning  spirits  and  passed  many 
hours  on  deck.  Walking  and  talking  v%'ith  several  persons.  In  such  a 
ship's  company — eighty — it  is  not  possible  to  know  my  fellow-passengers, 
and  each  day  I  am  surprised  by  a  face  I  have  not  seen  before.  Made 
acquaintance  with  Edward  Gibbon  Wakefield,^  and  talked  some  time 
with  him. 

September  12th. — Rose  in  good  time  but  sank  back  again  to  bed, 
where  I  lay  discomfited  and  wretched  till  about  two  o'clock.  I  was, 
however,  able  to  use  my  mind  in  some  degree,  and  thought  over  part 
of  the  character  of  Macbeth,  and  also  of  the  view  which  I  took  of  the 
country  I  am  about  to  visit,  contrasting  or  comparing  it  with  that 
taken  by  my  predecessors.  Walked  much  on  deck  to-day,  and  chatted 
with  several  people.  Enjoyed  the  beauty  of  the  sea,  and  was  much 
less  mal-uisS  than  I  have  been.  Talked  a  good  deal  with  Gibbon  Wake- 
field, who  is  amusing.  Thought  often  during  these  sick  days  of  home, 
and  all  I  love  there,  with  many  wishes,  many  hopes  and  some  fears. 
God  bless  them  all,  dear  ones.     Amen ! 

September  16th. — Came  on  deck  to  see  a  most  beautiful  morning 
and  to  feel  as  if  I  had  not  been  at  all  unwell.  Saw  a  barque  on  our 
starboard  side.  Talked  a  good  deal  with  a  German,  whom  I  thought 
I  had  used  rather  coldly,  and  heard  much  from  him  that  was  very 
interesting  respecting  Germany,  particularly  of  Hanover,  Hungary  and 
Bavaria.  Talked  much  with  Judge  Haliburton,  who  is  a  very  kindly, 
liberally  disposed  man,  but  the  Tory  of  the  Quarterly  Review  school  of 
twenty  years  ago.  I  like  him  very  much.  Talked  with  Wakefield,  about 
whom  there  is  something  not  quite  right.  Read  a  small  pamphlet, 
which  he  said  was  equally  his  and  C.  Buller's,  on  the  responsibility  of  an 
Executive  in  Colonial  Governments,  which  is  very  good.     Looked  over 

^  Edward  Gibbon  Wakefield  (1796-1862) ;  an  authority  on  Colonial  constitutions;  ac- 
companied Lord  Durham  to  Canada,  and  largely  inspired  his  policy  there.  Previously  he 
had  been  imprisoned  for  abducting  an  heiress,  his  marriage  with  whom  was  annulled  by 
Parliament,  and  this  circumstance  stood  in  the  way  of  his  career,  which  otherwise  would 
have  been  a  successful  one,  as  his  abilities  were  of  a  high  order. 

221 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1843 

Byron's  poems  and  read  some  passages  in  Ckilde  Harold.  How  inferior 
is  he  to  Wordsworth,  whom  he  derides ! 

HalifaXy  September  18th. — Rose  before  sunrise,  and  saw  a  ghmpse 
of  land  through  the  haze.  Dressed,  and  went  on  deck  as  we  entered 
the  harbour  of  HaUfax,  which,  with  its  rocky  hills  on  either  side,  its 
smooth  green  island  in  the  centre  of  the  bay,  and  the  lively  looking 
town  before  us  with  its  citadel,  its  ships  and  wharves  crowded  with 
eager  spectators,  looked  as  in  lively  welcome  to  us.  Our  deck  was 
equally  alive  with  land  costumes,  gay  with  faces  I  had  not  seen  during 
the  voyage.  The  bustle  of  welcome  and  farewell  was  amusing  and 
exciting.  I  went  with  one  of  our  ship's  company  into  the  town  of 
streets  at  right  angles,  of  wooden  houses,  reminding  one  of  the  half 
active  sort  of  character  that  a  Scotch  eastern  town  seems  to  have.  The 
shops  seemed  good,  as  I  looked  into  them,  and  it  appeared  quite  a 
place  that  a  man  might  live  in.  Before  leaving  the  ship  I  had  a  few 
words  of  farewell  Avith  Mr.  Haliburton,  and  exchanged  cards  with  him. 
He  breakfasted  with  us  in  one  great  party  of  about  thirty  from  the 
ship,  at  the  hotel,  and  certainly  never  was  greater  justice  done  to  a 
breakfast.  The  air,  and  the  sense  of  being  on  land  quite  sent  my 
spirits  in  an  unusual  flow  back  to  me.  After  taking  leave  of  Mr. 
Haliburton,  he  came  back  to  introduce  Mr.  Webster  of  the  Rifles  to 
me,  who  with  great  courtesy  asked  how  he  could  be  of  use  to  me,  etc. ; 
if  I  would  breakfast  at  the  barracks,  etc.  I  declined,  but  accepted 
the  offer  of  liis  escort,  and  walked  with  him  up  to  the  barracks  and 
to  the  citadel,  from  whence  the  view  of  the  harbour,  its  islands,  forts, 
shipping,  the  lake  on  the  opposite  side,  part  of  the  inner  harbour,  etc., 
all  come  witliin  the  eye.  It  is  a  beautiful  scene,  laid  out  as  in  a  map 
before  one.  He  returned  with  me  to  the  ship,  and  then  I  took  leave 
of  him. 

Boston,  September  20th. — The  mate  summoned  me  at  early  twilight 
with  the  news  that  we  should  soon  approach  the  Boston  Harbour  Light. 
I  had  slept  very  little  ;  there  were  noises  all  night  on  deck,  from  the 
time  of  stopping  to  take  in  the  pilot,  that  disturbed  me  incessantly.  I 
left  my  bed  with  little  reluctance  to  see  in  the  cold  grey  light  the  land 
before  me  stretching  away  to  the  right,  with  the  lighthouse  ahead.  It 
was  land,  r.nd  the  eye  strained  to  it  and  rested  on  it  as  on  security  and 
comfort.  I  desired  to  be  called  when  we  neared  the  Narrow,  and 
attended  to  my  luggage  until  time  to  see  our  entry  into  this  beautiful 
harbour.  It  must  be  a  very  unsightly  haven  that  would  not  have  beauty 
for  eyes  that  have  looked  on  sea  and  sky  for  nine  or  ten  days,  but  the 
222 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

islands  so  various  in  form,  the  opening  again  of  the  view  of  the  sea 
through  the  Northern  Channel  after  passing  the  narrow  entrance,  the 
forts,  the  houses  that  spot  the  rising  shores,  and  the  seemingly  rich 
and  thriving  villages  that  spread  far  along  the  circling  shores  on  either 
side  of  the  receding  land,  with  the  clustered  masses  of  the  city's  build- 
ings in  the  central  distance,   surrounded  by  the  dome  of  the  State 
House  and  the  Obelisk  of  Bunker's  Hill :  all  these  lit  up  and  illuminated 
by  a  most  gorgeous  sunrise  that  fretted  with  golden  fire  one  half  of  the 
heavens,  and  was  reflected  in  the  dancing  waves  through  which  we  made 
rapid  way,   all  these  effects  of  form  and  colour  gave  a  beauty  and 
splendour  to  the  scene  that  required  not  any  interest  unborrowed  from 
the  eye  to  awaken  delight  and  enjoyment.     A  small  shoal  of  porpoises 
came  leaping  and  bounding  along  in  our  course,  and  the  vessels  glided 
by  or  were  passed  by  us,  as  the  scene  grew  upon  our  sight  in  our  rapid 
advance.     The  thought   of  the  Pilgrim  Fathers,   the   fervent,   stern, 
resolute,  and  trusting  men,  who,  in  their  faith  in  God,  became  the 
authors  of  all  the  glorious  and  happy  life  I  saw  about  me,   was  a 
touching  recollection  ;  the  privations  and  sufferings  of  those  men  are  not 
held  in  account  by  us.     But  the  death  of  Charles  Stuart,  whose  tyranny 
caused  their  martyrdom,  and  who  suffered  himself  in  expiation  of  his 
own  violated  faith,  is  made  a  compulsory  subject  of  the  prayers  of  those 
who  call  themselves  followers  of  the  Church  of  England,  which  I  am 
not,  being,   or  professing  to  be,   a  Christian.      Having   dressed   and 
breakfasted,  I  exchanged  cards  with  two  or  three  of  our  passengers  and 
civilities  with  others,  and  waited  at  the  custom  house  for  the  examina- 
tion of  my  ponderous  baggage.     I  wish  I  could  depict  the  truth  as  it 
occurred,  because  it  would  render  weak  my  attempt  to  describe  the 
natural  politeness  and  hearty,  kind  feeling  of  the  officer  who  had  in 
charge  to  examine  our  luggage.     He  was  not  furnished  out  by  Stultz 
or  Inkson,  but  I  longed  to  shake  hands  with  the  kind-hearted  fellow. 
He  looked  into  two  bags,  and  upon  the  wrappers  within  a  portmanteau  ; 
on  the  book-box  he  demurred,  but  thought  it  better  to  see  what  it  con- 
tained.    I  lifted  out  a  shelf  for  him,  and  he  exclaimed,  "Oh,  I  see! 
these  are   all   library — all   second-hand   books — it   is   quite   enough," 
and  marked  it  as  he  had  done  the  pile  of  my  luggage  that  had  passed 
in  review  before.     I  left  Thompson  to  bring  it  on,  and  took  a  sort  of 
cab  from  East  Boston  to  the  City.     We  halted  in  our  course  to  let  a 
train  pass  along  a  railway,  over  which  we  dashed,  and  after  two  minutes' 
more  delay  drove  into  a  steamboat,  crossed  the  water,  drove  out  and 
through  the  crowded,  noisy,  rattling  streets  of  Boston  up  to  the  Tre- 

223 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1843 

mont  Hotel.  An  American  hotel  is  a  type  of  the  country.  There  is 
splendour,  luxury,  profusion  and  convenience  for  the  wuiss,  but  the 
individual  who  wishes  exclusive  accommodation  must  be  often  dis- 
appointed and  inconvenienced.  I  entered  this  noble  building  through 
a  crowd  of  busy,  bustling,  chattering,  scrutinizing,  smoking,  and  spitting 
gentry,  and  made  my  way  to  the  office.  I  am  sure  I  had  to  wait  very 
nearly  half-an-hour,  and  I  did  so  very  patiently,  in  this  place,  which 
was  a  sort  of  collision  of  tides  of  humanity,  continual  flux  and  reflux 
from  all  the  doors,  some  indifferent,  some  staring  at  me,  some  smoking. 

Neiv  York,  September  21sf. — Attended  to  my  bedroom  affairs, 
arranged  accounts;  saw  Mr.  Ryder  and  1).  Colden,  to  whom  I  sub- 
mitted my  letters  of  introduction.  Went  to  rehearsal,  with  which  I 
took  much  pains,  and  of  course  found  a  material  very  different  from 
what  I  had  lately  been  accustomed  to ;  found  that  I  had  done  right  in 
bringing  Mr.  Ryder.  Forrest  came  up  to  me  as  I  was  standing  over  a 
New  York  paper  in  the  reading-room  of  the  hotel.  I  was  very  glad  to 
see  him,  and  he  came  up  to  my  room  and  sat  with  me  some  time,  civil. 

September  22nd. — Went  to  rehearsal  and  took  considerable  pains 
to  make  the  play  tell  its  own  story.  The  actors  were  very  attentive  and 
behaved  very  well.  Forrest  came  up  to  me  in  the  reading-room  and 
very  cordially  welcomed  me.  He  came  up  to  my  room  and  sat  witli  me 
some  time,  inviting  me  to  dine  on  Thursday  week.  Many  cards  were 
left.  Dined  on  a  dinner  that  might  challenge  the  Trois  Freres.  Mr. 
Longfellow  called.^ 

September  24f/?.— Met  Mr.  Penn,  or  Pell,  and  Mr.  Griffiths.  A 
cheerful  day.  It  was  Mr.  Penn  who  observed  of  Dickens  that  he  must 
have  been  ungrateful  and  therefore  a  bad  man.  I  defended  and 
explained  as  I  best  could  his  morbid  feeling  about  the  States.     Passed 

a  pleasant  afternoon.     W^ent  to  Mr.  Sedgwick's;  saw  Mrs.  S and 

Mrs.  Butler,^  whom  I  dared  not  ask  after  her  husband.  An  agreeable 
evening. 

September  25f/*. — Went  to  the  theatre,  and  acted  Macbeth.  What 
shall  I  say?  With  every  disposition  to  throw  myself  into  the  cliaracter 
as  I  had  never  so  completely  done  before,  I  was,  as  it  were,  beaten  back 
by  the  heat,  and  I  should  certainly  have  sunk  under  it,  if  I  had  not 
goaded  myself  repeatedly  to  work  out  my  thoughts  and  vindicate  my 
reputation.  'I'lie  audience  did  not  applaud  very  much,  but  really  it 
would  have  been   too  much  to  expect  successive   rounds  of  applause 

^  The  distinguished  poet. 

*  Formerly  Fanny  Kemble  ;  she  and  her  husband  were  not  on  good  terms. 
224 


1843]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

under  such  an  atmosphere.  My  reception  was  most  enthusiastic,  and 
very  loudly  cheered  and  with  repeated  cheers.  The  audience  seemed 
held  by  the  performance,  though  Lady  Macbeth  was  a  ridiculous  drag- 
chain  upon  my  proceedings.  I  am  glad  I  have  brought  Mr.  Ryder.  I 
was  loudly  called  for  and  very  fervently  received ;  the  audience  expected 
a  speech,  but  I  bowed  under  great  weakness.  D.  Colden  came  into 
my  room  and  sat ;  he  seemed  to  think  the  impression  good,  though 
he  was  not  of  opinion  the  plays  should  be  soon  repeated,  in  which 
I  agreed. 

September  ^6th. — Called  on  Pierce  Butler  and  sat  some  time  with 

Mrs.   Pierce   B .      Pierce   Butler   came   in   as  I  was  going   away. 

Rehearsed  Hamlet.  Could  not  collect  an  exact  opinion  on  the  effect 
of  last  night's  performance ;  did  not  choose  to  look  at  the  newspaper. 
Mrs.  Butler  was  delighted,  and  Simpson  was  in  high  tone;  but  on 
neither  can  I  depend  for  the  public  voice,  one  having  too  clear  a 
judgment,  the  other  too  dull  a  one.  Still  in  the  dark  as  to  the  tone 
these  critical  gentry  will  take.  Read  over  Richelieu.  D.  Colden  called 
and  seemed  to  think  that  opinion  would  balance  in  favour.  Looked 
over  Hamlet.     Distressed  by  the  arrangements  of  this  house. 

September  29t/i. — Acted  Cardinal  Richelieu  but  indifferently.  I 
was  not  in  the  vein,  and  though  I  tried  and  tried  I  was  not  up  to  the 
high  mark.  I  was  called,  but  the  house  did  not  seem  simultaneously 
excited  at  any  time,  and  when  D.  Colden  came  round  he  counselled  the 
postponement  at  least  of  its  repetition.  It  was  therefore  evident  the 
sensation  had  not  been  very  great. 

September  20th. — Note  from  Lardner  !  Forrest  called  and  took 
me  out  to  see  the  reservoir  of  the  aqueduct ;  afterwards  to  see  Mrs. 
Forrest.     Dined  with  Pierce  Butler,  Bryant,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Longfellow. 

Mrs.  Butler's  conversation  was  such  that,  had  I  been  her  husband 

I  should  observe  that  Mrs.  Butler  spoke  admirably  well,  but  quite  like 
a  man.  She  is  a  woman  of  a  most  extraordinary  mind;  what  she  said 
on  most  subjects  was  true — the  stern  truth,  but  what  in  the  true  spirit 
of  charity  should  not  have  been  said  in  the  presence  of  one  who  was 
obliged  to  listen  to  it.     Alas  1 

October  1st. — After  dinner  Dr.  Lardner  called  ;  talked  about  Mrs. 
Lardner  and  his  young  child.  I  felt  for  him ;  he  has  been  most 
foolish.^ 

October  2nd. — Acted  Macbeth  tolerably  well ;  took  pains,  but  was, 
I  think,  unequal.     Called  for  and  well  received.     David  Colden  came 
*  See  note,  p.  6,  V<1.  I. 

VOL.  U.  Q  225 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1843 

into   my   room.      On    this   very   day,    seventeen   years   ago,    Monday, 
October  ^2nd,  1826,  I  opened  in  New  York  in  the  character  of  Virginius. 

October  3rd. — Dined  with  Forrest;  met  a  very  large  party,  too 
large  for  comfort,  but  it  was  most  kindly  intended.  Bryant,  with 
whom  I  talked  very  little ;  Halleck,  and  Inman  the  artist,  were  of  the 
party.  Our  day  was  very  cheerful ;  I  like  all  I  see  of  Forrest  very 
much.  He  appears  a  clear-headed,  honest,  kind  man ;  what  can  be 
better  ? 

October  Mh. — Received  letters,  which  I  had  not  looked  for  for  some 
days  from  my  blessed  home,  from  dearest  Catherine,  Letitia,  and  my 
blessed  children.  Read  them  in  bed,  where  I  was  resting  from  my 
labours.  I  shed  many,  many  tears  over  them.  God  bless  the  dear 
writers.  Acted  Werner  anxiously  and  partially  with  effect.  The 
audience  were  interested,  but  are  very  sparing  of  applause.  Was  called 
for  and  well  received.  David  Golden  came  into  my  room.  At  last  I 
have  got  into  my  promised  bedroom.  My  heart  thanked  God  for  the 
comfortable  tidings  brought  from  home. 

October  5th. — Forrest  called  on  me,  and,  agreeably  to  his  wish,  I 
underwent  the  operation  of  being  dagiierreotyped.  Eheu !  for  the 
operation  and  heu !  heu !  for  the  product !  (I  thought  to  myself,  and 
could  I  be  so  ugly!)     I  was  very  much  amused. 

October  6th. — Walked  down  to  the  Butlers' ;  met  Longfellow. 
What  a  lovely  scene  the  Bay  of  New  York  presents — or  rather  what 
scenes !  I  know  of  nothing  superior  to  it,  with  that  clear  dome  of  blue 
over  it.  Acted  Hamlet  with  the  endeavour  to  make  an  effective  per- 
formance, but  I  could  not;  I  was  very  much  dispossessed. 

October  1th. — Called  on  Dr.  Lardner.  Alas!  alas!  I  saw  the 
ci-devant  Mrs.  Heaviside,  now  Mrs.  Lardner,  a  very  fine  and  handsome 
woman ;  and  Lardner  not  now  a  ci-devant  jeune  homme,  no  longer 
dandy  in  his  dress  and  appointments,  but  old  and  almost  slovenly. 
There  was  a  child  there,  the  fruit  of  their  indiscretion — that,  poor 
thing !  and  poverty  and  neglect,  the  sad  result  of  their  blind,  absurd 
infatuation!  I  pitied  tiie  foUi/,  the  weak  vanity  of  both;  "into  what 
depth  of  sin  from  what  height  fallen  !  "  It  is  a  strange,  mysterious 
world  ;  we  know  not  who  are  safe.  None  really  so,  except  the  steadfast, 
resolute,  and  constant  in  virtue,  that  only  and  sure  wisdom — that 
single  safeguard.  God  forgive  me!  Amen!  Sat  some  time  with 
them,  as  they  finished  their  moderate  and  somewhat  uncomfortable, 
certainly  inelegant,  dinner,  and  went  with  sad  thoughts  away. 

October  Hth. — Occupied  long  with  affairs  of  wardrobe  ;  arranged  my 
226 


1843]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

weekly  accounts,  and  went  out  to  call  on  Mrs.  Golden,  taking  with  me 
the  sketches  of  the  darling  children  and  my  Catherine's  portrait.  The 
family  were  niucli  pleased  with  them,  though  Mrs.  Golden  could  not 
fancy  the  little,  slight  creature  she  recollected  my  Catherine  to  have  been 
now  grown  into  a  woman  of  a  matronly  air  and  figure.  I  went  with 
George  Wilkes  to  the  church,  and  heard  Dr.  Hankes  perform  the  whole 
service.  He  was  suffering  with  a  very  severe  cold,  but  I  never  heard 
the  prayers  read  more  unaffectedly  and  earnestly.  His  sermon  was  for 
the  most  part  eloquent,  but  not  argumentative;  his  text,  "I  knew  a 
man  in  Christ."  His  selection  of  language  was  really  choice,  his  images 
very  powerful  and  graphic,  but  occasionally  he  stretched  a  figure  out 
into  an  allegory,  that  attenuated  its  force  by  its  extension.  Upon  the 
whole  I  was  very  much  gratified.  I  could  not  help  again  observing  the 
admirable  manner  in  which  the  whole  service  is  performed,  the  simplicity 
and  complete  equipment,  the  single  colour  of  the  lining  of  the  pews, 
the  absence  of  all  signs  of  poverty,  the  order  and  respectful  attention 
of  all  present  were  very  pleasing ;  the  music  was  good,  too  ;  I  was 
much  gratified. 

October  10th. — Went  to  the  theatre  and  rehearsed  Virginius.  From 
what  I  can  learn  the  audiences  of  the  United  States  have  been  accus- 
tomed to  exaggeration  in  all  its  forms,  and  have  applauded  what  has 
been  most  extravagant ;  it  is  not,  therefore,  surprising  that  they  should 
bestow  such  little  applause  on  me,  not  having  their  accustomed  cues. 
October  15th. — Longfellow  called  for  me,  and  we  went  to  dine  with 

Mrs.  L and  D.  Golden  at  the  ladies'  ordinary.    Above  130  sat  down. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  N.  P.  Willis  next  to  Longfellow.     He  (N.  P.  W ) 

wished  to  be  very  civil  to  me.  I  was  much  amused.  I  looked  for  the 
eaters  with  knives,  but  detected  none.  The  only  indecorum  I  noticed 
was  in  a  couple  just  opposite  to  me,  who  were  too  ostentatious  of  the 
dalliance  they  seemed  so  much  to  enjoy. 

October  16th. — Dr.  Wilkes  drove  me  to  the  Coloured  Orphan 
Asylum.  It  does  great  honour  to  the  benevolence  of  those  persons — 
chiefly  women — who  instituted  and  carried  it  to  its  present  state ;  the 
cleanliness,  economy,  order,  the  entire  arrangement  seemed  unexception- 
able. I  went  through  the  whole  building,  school-rooms,  bedrooms, 
play-rooms,  hospitals,  bath-rooms,  washing-rooms,  kitchen,  store-room, 
etc.  I  heard  a  class  read  and  answer  questions  very  well,  being  taught 
to  reason  aloud,  which  was  very  good.  But  when  I  saw  about  seventy 
of  these  little  human  beings  of  a  degraded  caste  eating  their  dinners 
together  I  could  not  bear  it.     The  tears  gushed  to  my  eyes,  and  I  was 

Q  2  227 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1843 

obliged  to  go  out  of  the  room.  God  help  them — God  help  them. 
Acted  Hamlet  very  fairly ;  striving  to  overmaster  my  evil  tendencies. 
I  must  guard  against  unreal  tones,  etc. ;  I  must  practise  to  be  the  thing, 
despite  the  coldness  of  these  audiences.     I  must. 

October  ISth. — Acted  the  part  of  Othello  with  every  possible  draw- 
back ;  the  actors  were  all  slow-coaches  (incompetent)  around  me.  I 
fought  against  it  and  succeeded  in  interesting  the  audience,  but  my 
effort  here  not  to  lose  ground  must  be  great  indeed.  Called  for  and 
well  received. 

October  19th. — Spoke  to  Mr.  Ryder  about  his  tameness  and 
inaccuracy ;  he  is  well-meaning  but  weak,  and  not  made  of  the  stuff  to 
run  far  ahead  of  his  fellows.  Acted  Werner  unsatisfactorily  to  myself ; 
I  cannot  afford  to  expend  my  spirits  and  alacrity  by  recreation  or 
exercise  on  the  days  of  performance.  I  have  not — it  is  vain  to  strive 
against  the  fact — I  have  not  the  elasticity  nor  strength  of  youth,  and 
to  me  my  means  of  livelihood  are  now  nearly  all  in  all. 

October  20i7i. — Called  on  Lardner,  lest  he  might  think  I  shirked 
him.  But  it  was  a  painful  visit.  Alas  !  alas  !  Called  on  Mr.  T.  Moore, 
an  old  bon-vivant  seventeen  years  ago,  now  struck  down  by  disease,  a 
very  wreck  ;  poor  fellow ;  he  was  very  glad  to  see  me.  He  told  me  that 
the  people  had  called  the  Five  Points,  an  infamous  receptacle  of  rogues, 
etc.,  by  the  name  of  "Dickens'  Place,"  because  he  visited  it.  Acted 
Macbeth  witli  extreme  difficulty — quite  invitd  Minend,  but  I  would  not 
give  way.  I  fougiit  against  myself  and  the  wretched  actors  around 
me,  and  played  much  of  the  part  very  fairly.  Called  for,  and  when  on 
was  fixed  by  a  dead  silence.  I  hesitated,  and  then  said  :  "  Ladies  and 
gentlemen,  the  custom  peculiar  to  this  country  of  a  performer  address- 
ing the  audience  on  his  Benefit  night  has  long  been  strange  to  me,  and 
I  really  do  not  know  how  to  convey  the  impression  which  my  very 
gratifying  reception  here  has  made  on  me  without  indulging  in  a 
fervency  of  expression  that  might  call  my  taste  in  Cjuestion.  My 
endeavours  to  sustain  my  art  in  a  manner  worthy  of  your  patronage 
shall  speak  the  high  estimation  in  which  I  hold  your  favour,  and  with 
this  promise  I  take  my  leave  of  you  till  the  month  of  December,  when 
I  shall  have  the  honour  of  again  appearing  before  you  for  a  short 
engagement."  The  audience  received  these  few  words  in  a  very  cordial 
spirit,  and  D.  Colden,  who  came  into  my  room,  seemed  very  much 
delighted  with  the  effect  they  had  produced. 

October  21sL — Went  to  the  National  theatre,  where  I  saw  Forrest 
act  KincT  l>ear.  I  had  a  very  high  opinion  of  his  powers  of  mind  when 
228 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

I  saw  him  exactly  seventeen  years  ago ;  I  said  then,  if  he  would  cultivate 
those  powers  and  really  study,  where,  as  in  England,  his  taste  could  be 
formed,  he  would  make  one  of  the  very  first  actors  of  this  or  any  day. 
But  I  thought  he  would  not  do  so,  as  his  countrymen  were,  by  their 
extravagant  applause,  possessing  him  with  the  idea  and  with  the  fact, 
as  far  as  remuneration  was  concerned,  that  it  was  unnecessary.  I 
reluctantly,  as  far  as  my  feelings  towards  him  are  interested,  record 
my  opinion  that  my  prophetic  soul  foresaw  the  consequence.  He  has 
great  physical  power.  But  I  could  discern  no  imagination,  no  original 
thought,  no  poetry  at  all  in  his  acting.  Occasionally  in  rage  he  is 
very  strong  and  powerful,  but  grandeur  in  his  passion  there  was  none; 
pathos,  none.  The  quiet  portion — and  much,  too  much,  was  quiet — was 
heavy  and  frequently  inaudible  ;  irascibility  of  temperament  did  not 
appear ;  there  was  no  character  laid  out.  The  audience  were  very 
liberal,  very  vehement  in  their  applause  ;  but  it  was  such  an  audience  ! — 
applauding  all  the  disgusting  trash  of  Tate  as  if  it  had  been  Shakspeare, 
with  might  and  main.  But  an  actor  to  speak  the  words  of  Tate — 
with  Shakspeare's  before  him — I  think  criticizes  his  own  performance ; 
and  of  Forrest's  representation  I  should  like  to  say  that  it  was  like  the 
part — false  taste.  In  fact,  I  did  not  think  it  the  performance  of  an 
artist.  I  did  not  like  his  curse — it  was  anything.  In  the  storm  (for 
which  see  Kent's  description  in  the  previous  scene — oh,  ye  gods!) 
he  walked  on  in  perfect  quietude ;  there  was  throughout  nothing  on  his 
mind,  fastened  on  and  tearing  and  convulsing  it  with  agony,  and  cer- 
tainly his  frenzy  "  was  not  like  madness."  His  recognition  of  Cordelia 
the  same.  He  did  not  fully  comprehend  his  poet.  He  speaks  very 
frequently  in  a  voice  not  Ms  own,  reminding  me  of  Kean  and  Vanden- 
hoff.  But  the  state  of  society  here  and  the  condition  of  the  fine  arts 
are  in  themselves  evidences  of  the  improbability  of  an  artist  being 
formed  by  them.  It  is  a  very  pretty  theatre,  but  filled  with  vulgar 
people.  I  looked  in  at  the  Chestnut  Street  theatre,  which  had  a  very 
elegant  auditory,  listening  to  and  applauding  a  French  opera,  very 
indifferently  performed.  Walked  home.  Read  over  again  dearest 
Catherine's  letters,  etc.  There  was  much  to  praise  in  Forrest's  execu- 
tion frequently ;  he  seems  to  have  his  person  in  perfect  command,  but 
he  has  not  enriched,  refined,  elevated,  and  enlarged  his  mind;  it  is  very 
much  where  it  was,  in  the  matter  of  poetry  and  art,  when  I  last  saw 
him.  But  his  speaking  through  the  play  the  trash  of  Tate,  with  not 
even  the  altered  catastrophe  to  account  for  it — for  he  restored  the  death 
of  Lear — manifests  the  extent  of  his  genius.     He  had  all  the  qualifica- 

229 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1843 

tions,  all  the  material  out  of  which  to  build  up  a  great  artist,  an  actor 
for  all  the  world.  He  is  now  only  an  actor  for  the  less  intelligent  of 
the  Americans.  But  he  is  something  better — an  upright  and  well- 
intentioned  man.^ 

October  22nrf. — After  dinner  received  some  papers  sent,  kindly  of 
course,  by  Mr.  Povey ;  in  one  was  an  impertinence  from  that  reptile 
Bonn,  extracted  from  the  Age  newspaper,  which  made  me  for  a  few 
minutes  very  angry ;  but  I  very  soon  reasoned  myself  into  perfect 
indifference  to  such  a  creature. 

October  23rd. — Acted  Macbeth  equal,  if  not  superior,  as  a  whole, 
to  any  performance  I  have  ever  given  of  the  character.  I  should  say 
it  was  a  noble  piece  of  art.  Called  for  warmly,  and  warmly  received. 
The  Miss  Cushman  ^  who  acted  Lady  Macbeth  interested  me  much. 
She  has  to  learn  her  art,  but  she  showed  mind  and  sympathy  with  me ; 
a  novelty  so  refreshing  to  me  on  the  stage.  I  do  not  say  what  the 
people  on  papers  may  say  of  me,  but  such  a  performance  would  have 
made  any  man's  fortune  in  London. 

October  25f/j. — Acted  Hamlet,  as  I  think,  in  a  manner  that  would 
have  obtained  for  me  the  highest  praise  in  London.  The  audience  in 
the  stirring  scenes  seemed  much  excited,  but  they  did  not  appreciate 
the  performance  sufficiently  to  call  for  me.  This  is  a  most  detestable 
custom — most  especially  in  the  hands  of  an  unrefined  auditory.  The 
Philadelphia  Gazette — with  a  criticism  which  was  very  kind,  but  seemed 
more  a  defence  than  a  challenge — was  sent  to  me,  and  I  read  it  after 
the  play. 

October  ^6th. — Acted  AVerner — not  well,  being  much  deranged  by 
the  people  with  me,  particularly  by  Mr.  G.  Vandenhoff,  who  is  too 
good  or  too  bad  for  me.  It  did  not  seem  to  have  a  great  success  in  the 
theatre.  Looked  at  some  papers  sent  me  by  P.  Butler.  The  base 
Morning  Herald  speaks  of  Mr.  Macready's  '■'failure  at  Drury  Lane." 
The  wretched  miscreant ! 

October  28f/i. — Saw  some  papers  ;  one,  signed  Barlow,  affecting  to 
make  a  comparative  criticism  on  Mr.  Forrest  and  myself  in  Macbeth  ! 
it  was  too  bad,  as  the  ignorant  creature  showed  in  what  he  was  obliged 
to  state  that  Mr.  Forrest  did  not  understand  the  character ;  nor  does 
Mr.  Forrest  understand  Shakspeare.  He  is  not  an  artist.  Let  him 
be  an  American  actor — and  a  great  American  actor — but  keep  on  this 

*  This  estimate  of  Forrest's  acting  and  ciiaracter  is  especially  interesting  in  view  of 
subsequent  occurrences. 

*  Afterwards  well-known  in  Loml.in,  where  she  played  Romeo  to  her  sister's  Juliet. 

230 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

side  of  the  Atlantic,  and  no  one  will  gainsay  his  comparative  excellence. 
Much  disgusted.  Rested  and  thought  on  Richelieu ;  determined  to  act 
it  well,  if  I  could,  as  Mr.  Forrest,  not  handsomely,  I  think,  was  put 
up  for  the  same  part  on  the  same  night.  I  did  act  Cardinal  Richelieu — 
I  think  well — in  such  a  manner  as  evidently  to  produce  a  great  effect  on 
the  audience.     They  made  a  very  resolute  call  for  me. 

October  20th. — In  my  performance  of  Hamlet  I  suffered  a  little 
from  what  Scott  has  described  as  the  cause  of  Campbell's  backwardness 
— I  was,  if  not  frightened,  certainly  flurried  at  the  shadow  of  my  own 
reputation  ;  the  impression  of  the  previous  evening  had  been  so  strong, 
I  feared  to  disappoint  expectation.  It  was.  however,  not  a  bad  per- 
formance. The  soliloquy  ending  the  second  act  was  very  natural,  pas- 
sionate, and  good.  That  on  life  and  death  was  reality — as  my  French 
friends  term  it,  inspiration.  I  never  before  approached  the  real  self- 
communing  which  possessed  me  during  its  delivery.  The  audience  fully 
appreciated,  for  they  applauded  until  I  actually  stopped  them.  Read 
a  leading  article  that  interested  me,  remonstrating  and  declaiming — 
most  justly,  I  think — against  the  servility  and  unreasonableness  of  the 
"Taste  Committee  "  in  England  for  excluding  the  statue  of  Cromwell 
from  the  worthies  (God  help  the  mark ! — our  English  kings,  etc. !)  who 
are  to  decorate  the  halls  of  our  Parliament  House.  Here  is  the  curse. 
In  England  the  spirit  is  servile,  the  institutions  rotten.  Here  the  taste 
is  disgusting,  and  the  laws  little  more  than  nominal !  One  is  almost 
tempted  to  imprecate  with  Lear,  "  Strike  flat  the  thick  rotundity  of  the 
world ;  crack  nature's  moulds,  all  germins  spill  at  once  that  make 
ungrateful  rnan.'^  What  is  it  going  to?  Will  it  ever  he  better?  I 
begin  to  despair.  Wallack  called  ;  declaimed  against  Forrest,  on  whose 
professional  merits  I  was  cautiously  silent,  whose  personal  qualities  I 
praised. 

October  Slst. — Saw  some  papers,  and  was  disgusted,  annoyed  and 
rather  alarmed  at  an  intimation  of  that  scoundrel  Bennett,  that  "  forty 
or  fifty  unfriendly  persons  could,  if  they  pleased,  drive  even  Mr. 
Macready  from  the  stage."  I  quite  abandon  all  idea  of  settling  in 
this  country.  The  press  is  made  up,  with  a  few  exceptions,  of  such 
unredeemed  scoundrels,  and  the  law  is  so  inoperative  that  "  the  spurns 
which  patient  merit  from  the  unworthy  takes  "  in  England  are  prefer- 
able to  the  state  of  semi-civilization  here.  I  disagree  with  Dickens 
whilst  I  quite  sympathize  with  his  disgust  at  these  wretches.  Lost 
much  time  from  my  state  of  mind. 

November  1st. — Have  been  much  harassed,  occupied,  irritated,  and 

231 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1848 

annoyed  by  the  assaults  in  certain  newspapers.  This  is  weakness,  but 
one  to  which  I  think  all — all  arc  liable.  Voltaire  and  Racine  had  the 
honesty  to  confess  that  one  line  of  abuse  gave  them  more  uneasiness 
than  pages  of  praise  afforded  them  pleasure.  It  is  true  throughout 
human  nature.  I  could  reason  myself  into  conviction  for  a  moment, 
but  what  is  that  to  feeling  ?  When  I  was  here  before,  they  attempted 
(and  with  really  more  reason)  to  set  up  Mr.  Forrest  as  equal  to  myself, 
and  Mr.  Cooper  as  superior.  What  has  been  the  fact?  Acted  Othello 
in  a  very  grand  and  impassioned  manner,  never  better.  The  audience 
I  thought  cold  at  first,  but  I  would  not  give  way  to  the  influence ;  I 
sustained  the  character  from  the  first  to  the  last.  Called  for  and  very 
warmly  greeted. 

November  2nd. — Pierce  Butler  called  in  a  state  of  unsubdued 
excitement  from  the  play  of  last  night ;  he  seemed  quite  taken  by 
surprise — as  he  described  the  audience  to  have  been.  Rested,  being 
very  much  tired.  Felt  most  languid,  and  unequal  to  exertion,  and 
can  account  for  many  times  seeming  and  being  under  the  mark  of 
energy  and  spirit.  But  I  rallied  and  determined  to  do  my  very  best, 
and  I  played  Cardinal  Richelieu  uncommonly  well ;  was  called  for  and 
well  received.  I  icill  henceforward  assert  m)'self  in  my  acting.  At 
New  York,  I  fear,  it  was  I  and  not  the  audience  who  were  to  blame — 
we  icill  see. 

November  Srd. — Entertained  to-day  for  the  first  time  the  idea  of 
remaining  in  the  States  until  the  beginning  of  October  next,  if  my 
engagements  here  should  turn  out  as  advantageously  as  I  have  reason 
to  expect.  As  this  is  quite  a  chance,  I  shall  not  let  fall  any  hint  of 
it  to  any  one  at  home ;  if  I  should  be  successful  I  may  act  through  the 
month  of  June — try  to  employ  the  months  of  July  and  August  in 
observation  and  writing,  and  take  my  farewell  engagements  in  the 
month  of  September,  and  sail  at  the  beginning  of  October ;  "  but  all 
this  lies  within  the  will  of  Heaven!  " 

November  4t/i. — Reflected  on  my  indulgence  (not  to  any  great 
extent,  but  beyond  what  I  wish  for  the  prospect  of  health  and  time) 
in  wine  during  my  performances.  Viewing  the  subject  as  it  bears  on 
the  fine  art — of  probable  health — of  clearness  of  thought — of  conse- 
quent languor  or  heaviness — and  therefore  of  time — and  in  no  slight 
regard  of  money,  I  have  resolved  to  endeavour  so  to  regulate  my  diet 
as  to  reduce  very  much,  if  not  altogether,  the  quantity  of  stimulant  I 
sometimes  take  during  performance.  But  I  must  be  most  especially 
cautious  not  to  let  the  spirit  of  my  acting  evaporate  with  the  diminu- 
232 


1843]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

tion  of  alcohol !  Paid  my  bills,  whicli  if  I  can  subject  to  anything 
near  the  average  of  this  week  will,  with  God's  blessing,  enable  me 
to  profit  largely  by  the  success  it  may  be  His  will  I  should  enjoy. 
May  I  deserve  it  and  obtain  it.  Paid  my  weekly  bills,  which  were 
satisfactorily  reasonable.  Pierce  Butler  called ;  went  with  him  to  the 
Exhibition  of  Pennsylvanian  Academy ;  not  good — very  little  original ; 
still,  it  is  right  to  begin,  but  the  arts  do  not  advance  much  in  the 
United  States.  Acted  Werner  in  my  best  manner,  being  under  no 
debt  to  stimulant ;  called  for  and  well  received ;  acted  very  powerfully. 
Read  a  paper  in  answer  to  the  abuse,  which  I  have  not  read ;  it  is 
very  kind. 

November  6th. — Called  on  and  met  Pierce  Butler,  who  went  with 
me  up-stairs  and  left  me  with  Mrs.  Butler  and  Miss  Sedgwick.  We 
talked  a  little  while  very  pleasantly,  but  upon  my  observing  that  she 
did  not  do  justice  to  the  talents  committed  to  her — that  she  might  do 
much  beside  writing  powerful  plays,  that  she  might  in  a  country  like 
this  influence  society,  etc. — she  burst  into  tears,  our  conversation 
became  more  restrained,  and  I  took  leave  of  her,  she  appearing  anxious 
to  see  me  again,  as,  I  believe,  really  regarding  me.  Rested  and  thought 
on  Macbeth.  Acted  Macbeth  unequally,  but  tried.  Called  for. 
Spoke  to  Miss  Cushman  about  going  to  Boston.  She  would  be  glad 
to  go  for  $50 — it  would  be  worth  my  while  to  give  it ;  I  arranged 
with  her. 

November  1th. — Read  in  the  papers  the  news  from  England — 
O'Connell's  arrest,^  which  I  fancy  will  be  a  triumph  for  him  ;  closing 
of  Covent  Garden,  etc.  Saw  in  the  American  paper  that  Mr.  N.  P. 
Willis  had  been  distinguishing  himself  by  his  abuse  of  me.  Cannot 
I  afford  it?  In  Philadelphia  all  the  Press  had  taken  up  against  this 
Colley  Cibber,  who  has  been  abusing  me  and  every  one  connected  with 
the  Chestnut  theatre. 

November  9th. — Paid  my  bill  and  went  down  to  the  quay  in  a 
coach,  etc.,  for  which  I  was  charged  most  extortionately,  as  also  by  a 
knavish  driver  in  New  York.  Republican  virtue  is  not  below  average, 
but  certainly  not  above  it.  Mr.  Ryder  was  on  board  the  boat ;  from 
him  I  collected  that  the  performance  of  Benedict  last  night  had  made 
a  strong  impression.  He  told  me  much  of  what  he  had  heard  in  the 
bar-rooms,  etc. — of  persons  giving  their  opinions,  etc.,  on  Mr.  Forrest, 
and  of  the  change  that  had  been  produced  in  some  of  his  declaiming 
advocates.  One  critic  in  the  earnestness  of  his  advocacy  of  Mr. 
^   In  connection  with  his  agitation  for  Repeal. 

^33 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1843 

Forrest,  said  to  another,  uho  was  extolling  me  for  my  intellectual 
qualifications:  "Oil!  damn  intellect!  "  Mr.  Forrest's  engagement  at 
New  York  has  failed  ;  as  it  was  got  up  in  opposition  to  me  and  so 
carried  through,  I  cannot  affect  regret  at  it. 

Boston,  November  10th. — Ryder  called  in  the  evening  and  gave  me 
an  account  of  Mr.  Pelby,  which  seems  to  promise  anything  but  an 
agreeable — indeed,  a  profitable  engagement.  He  is  a  vulgar  man  of 
very  indifferent  character.  He  has  advertised  his  daughter  for  I^ady 
Macbeth — she  is  reported  to  be  drunken,  and  Mr.  Wallack  says  does 
not  understand  one  word  of  what  she  says !  I  must  do  my  best,  but 
this  is  a  dreadful  drawback.     God  speed  me !     Amen  ! 

November  11th. — Went  to  rehearsal  of  Macbeth.  Mr.  Hamilton, 
stage-manager,  spoke  to  me  of  Mr.  Pelby's  annoyance  at  my  desire 
that  Miss  Cushman  should  act  with  me,  and  that  he  had  only  just 
before  answered  an  application  of  hers  to  the  same  effect,  declining 
her  assistance ;  this  I  thought  had  taken  place  at  the  beginning  of  the 
season,  and  certainly  it  gave  colour  to  his  reasons  for  resentment.  A 
few  words,  however,  soon  put  all  things  straight,  and  everything  pro- 
ceeded on  a  perfect  understanding.  Received  two  letters  from  David 
Colden,  informing  me  of  Forrest's  engagement  having  failed  at  New 
York.  I  wish  he  had  had  the  tact,  if  not  the  chivalrous  feeling,  to 
have  made  his  course  away  from  me ;  as  it  is,  I  must  of  course  feel 
thankful  that  he  is  not  in  the  ascendant.  Went  to  Gardner's  lecture 
on  Washington,  Napoleon,  AVellington,  etc. !  with  transparent  illus- 
trations— miserable  daubs  of  pictures  and  plans !  Poor  Lardner ! 
What  I  listened  to  was  amusing,  but  leaning  very  much  to  American 
prejudice,  which  is  not  right.  What  a  refuge!  and  how  is  it  to  end? 
Oh  God ! 

November  12i/i. — Received  a  Times  newspaper;  a  theatrical  notice 
on  the  closing  of  Covent  Garden  theatre  on  account  of  the  insubordina- 
tion of  the  actors  asserts  that  there  is  no  great  tragic  actor — it  may  or 
it  may  not  be  assumed  that  my  absence  from  England  excepts  me 
from  this  vilification  of  the  writer ;  but  he,  evidently  to  me,  does  not 
except  me,  and  I  cannot  help  thinking  deals  very  unjustly  by  me. 
But  of  course  I  should  think  so.  It  annoyed  me,  and  sunk  my  spirits 
and  made  me  feel,  as  I  was  going  over  Macbeth,  ichat  is  the  use  of  all 
I  have  done,  or  can  try  to  do?  I  tried  to  rally  my  spirits,  but  it 
dealt  a  heavy  blow  on  me.  It  is  disgusting.  Note  from  Miss  Cushman, 
announcing  her  arrival  and  wishing  to  see  me.  I  am  in  a  strange 
country,  and  I  think  it  is  only  a  duty  to  myself  to  be  strictly  circum- 
234 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

spect.  I  have  not  the  slightest  purpose,  dream,  or  intent  of  wrong  or 
folly,  and  therefore  I  keep  it  at  arm's  length.  Wrote  to  her,  promis- 
ing to  see  her  to-morrow,  which  I  will  do  in  the  common  room. 

November  ISth. — Looked  over  Macbeth,  being  most  anxious  about 
my  performance.  Went  to  the  theatre  and  rehearsed  it ;  had  sad  mis- 
givings as  to  the  effect  of  Lady  Macbeth,  who  does  not  understand 
the  words  she  has  to  speak,  and  speaks  words  that  no  one  can  under- 
stand. After  rehearsal  saw  Miss  Cushman,  and  talked  with  her  a  short 
time.  I  discharged  myself  of  my  obligation  to  her,  paying  her  $50 
in  notes.  At  dinner  Longfellow  called  and  invited  me  to  dine  to- 
morrow. Acted  Macbeth — how,  I  really  cannot  say,  but  I  can  assert 
that  I  strove  unremittingly.  I  had  a  drag-chain  in  Lady  Macbeth, 
but  I  did  all  that  I  could  to  make  an  interest  independent  of  her — is 
that  possible?  I  certainly  did  much  well,  and  all  in  earnest,  but  at 
the  fall  of  the  curtain  when  some  voices  called  for  me  there  were 
dissentients — I  do  not  know  how  I  am  to  interpret  this. 

Novemher  14i/i, — Received  a  note  from  Miss  Cushman  in  great 
delight  at  the  performance  last  night ;  she  described  the  audience  as 
participating  in  the  enjoyment  she  experienced.  I  hope  it  was  so. 
Mr.  Pelby  would  not  allow  Miss  Cushman  to  act — eh  hien !  Rehearsed 
Hamlet.  These  are  an  awful  set  of  DaggerAvoods !  Called  on  Miss 
Cushman  in  the  common  room,  declined  visiting  her  in  her  own. 
Made  several  calls.  On  our  way  we  had  called  in  at  the  Tom  n  House 
at  Cambridge,  and  seen  the  process  of  voting  by  ballot — nothing 
could  be  simpler  or  more  orderly.  I  went  up  to  the  ballot  box,  and 
everything   was    clearly   explained    to    me.     Dined   with    Longfellow ; 

everything   very   elegant.     Mrs.    L is   a  very   agreeable   woman. 

Felton,  Sumner,  and  Hillard  dined  with  us. 

Novemher  15th. — Was  nearly  four  hours  and  a  half  rehearsing 
Hamlet,  so  distressed  and  crippled  am  I  by  the  conceit  and  inefficiency 
of  the  players  of  this  company.  I  begin  to  fear  that  with  all  my 
anxiety  and  all  my  pains  I  must  sink  under  the  effect  of  the  contagion 
of  these  wretched  people.  It  makes  me  very  wretched ;  I  have  nothing 
to  test  myself  hy.  Acted  Hamlet  very  unsatisfactorily.  I  cannot 
account  for  it ;  I  had  thought  over  several  positive  improvements,  had 
determined  to  act  up  to  my  mark,  took  infinite  pains  at  rehearsal,  and 
at  night,  but  the  audience  seemed  to  escape  me.  I  heard  that  in  the 
scenes,  where  I  was  not  on,  the  audience  applauded  the  actors  in 
derision,  and  Heaven  knows,  they  are  too  had;  if  this  be  so,  it  partly 
accounts  for  the  tameness  in  the  play's  acting,  but  not  sufficiently  to 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1843 

satisfy  me.  I  fear  it  is  in  myself ;  God,  how  I  shrink  before  the 
thought  of  becoming  feeble  and  us6  while  obUged  to  earn  my  bread ! 

November  16th. — Waldo  PiPierson  called,  and  sat  with  me  a  short 
time,  expressing  his  wish  to  make  me  acquainted  with  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Ward,  whom  he  extolled  greatly.  I  liked  him  very,  very  much — the 
simplicity  and  kindness  of  his  manner  charmed  me.  Mr.  Abbott 
Lawrence  called  and  sat  with  me  some  time.  I  liked  him  extremely ; 
he  invited  me.  Acted  Werner  as  well  as  I  could,  but  my  intent, 
meaning,  and  efforts  paralyzed  by  the  Ulric,  who  was  imperfect  and 
utterly  incapable.  I  was  quite  put  hors  de  vioi  in  the  second  act, 
could  not  recover  myself — did  not  know  what  to  do;  the  perspiration 
came  out  upon  my  forehead — I  never  felt  myself  so  lost  as  to  self- 
possession.  Was  very  angry  at  the  greater  part  of  the  performance, 
though  I  tried  to  do  my  very  best.  Spoke  to  Mr.  Hamilton,  who 
admitted  all ;  to  Mr.  Ryder.  Thought  on  what  is  to  be  done.  The 
prospect  of  any  future  engagements  here  is  gone !     Alas ! 

November  11th. — Note  and  flowers  from  Miss  Cushman.  Read 
her  poem  on  Babington's  conspiracy — very  powerful  and  clever. 
Acted  Cardinal  Richelieu  in  my  very  best  style ;  I  quite  moved  the 
audience  out  of  themselves.  I  was  very  animated  and  real — very  much 
in  earnest.  Had  received  a  note  from  Colley  G rattan,^  praying  me 
to  come  to  him  to  meet  General  Bertrand  and  Webster.  I  thought 
he  made  a  point  of  it,  and  I  went.  Was  introduced  to  Bertrand  ; 
certainly,  from  appearance,  one  who  could  only  obtain  distinction  by 
the  greatness  of  another — a  "growing  feather  plucked  from  Caesar's 
wing  "  may  be  shown  as  of  the  eagle  kind,  but  it  is  only  the  fidelity 
of  an  Eros  to  an  Antony  that  has  given  reputation  to  the  kind-hearted 
little  General.  He  talked  very  pleasantly — asked  me  if  I  had  acted 
at  Paris ;  I  told  him  I  had,  and  reminded  him  of  the  period,  which 
he  recollected  associated  with  Virginius.  We  talker  of  Talma,  and  of 
the  Emperor's  partiality  to  him.  T  asked  him  if  it  was  true  that  they 
were  friends  previous  to  Napoleon's  assuming  the  crown.  He  said, 
doubtingly,  "No,  it  was  not  likely."^     He  told  me  in  reply  to  my 

^  Thomas  Colley  Grattan  (1792-1864)  ;  author  and  journalist,  at  that  lime  British  Consul 
at  Boston. 

-  Never. heless,  Thomas  Raikes,  in  \\\%/oicrna!,  gives  the  following  letter  purporting  to 
have  been  written  by  Napoleon  to  Talma,  after  the  siege  of  Toulon  — 

"  I  have  fouj^ht  like  a  lion  for  the  Keput)lic.  But,  my  good  friend  Talma,  as  my  reward  I 
am  left  to  die  with  hunger.  I  am  at  the  end  of  all  my  resources.  That  miserable  fellow 
Aubry  (the  Minister  of  War)  leaves  me  in  the  mire  when  he  might  do  something  for  me. 

"  I  feel  that  I  have  the  power  of  doing  more  than  Generals  Santerre  and  Rossignol,  and 
236 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

inquiries,  that  Napoleon  liked  tragedy  very  much,  but  comedy  little. 
That  he  judged  well,  was  a  good  critic ;  described  his  home  of  retire- 
ment, the  seat  of  small  social  parties  in  which  he  indulged  and  which 
he  preferred ;  that  at  one  of  these  a  tragedy  on  Lady  Jane  Grey  was 
read  by  Talma ;  that  Napoleon  appeared  asleep  during  the  reading, 
but  that  he  gave  a  clear  and  critical  opinion  upon  its  merits  :  that  if 
it  had  developed  any  truths  as  to  the  political  state  of  England,  the 
condition  of  parties,  the  influence  of  religion,  or  any  great  efl^ect,  it 
might  have  been  something ;  but  the  mere  story  of  Lady  Jane  Grey — 
Bah !  The  play  was  introduced  some  time  after,  but  not  with  success. 
Was  introduced  to  Cinti  Damereau,  to  Mrs.  Otis,  who  talked  French 
to  me  for  some  time,  to  Bancroft,  who  seemed  very  glad  to  see  me, 
as  I  was  to  meet  him.  Returning  home  I  found  a  basket  of  flowers, 
and  a  note — in  rapture  at  Richelieu — from  Miss  Otis. 

November  18th. — Called  on  Miss  Cushman  and  chatted  with  her 
some  time.  She  told  me  of  a  conversation  she  had  heard  between  two 
watchmakers — one  of  whom  had  seen  Mr.  Forrest  and  myself,  the 
other  had  not  seen  me — to  convey  his  idea  of  the  two  men,  the  one 
observed,  "  Why,  you  see  Forrest  is  a  watch  upon  a  common  lever, 
and  Macready's  a  chronometer."  The  more  I  reflect  upon  Mr. 
Forrest's  acting  and  the  impression  made  by  myself,  the  more  I  am 
disgusted  with  the  knavery  and  impertinence  of  Messrs.  Willis  and  Co. 
Called  on  W.  Prescott ;  saw  the  old  Judge,  who  just  came  in,  shook 
hands  with  us,  and  passed  on  like  an  apparition  through  the  room. 
Sat  some  time  with  W.  Prescott  and  his  wife,  both  of  whom  I  liked 
very  much.  Dined  with  Felton,  meeting  C.  Sumner's  brother,  Jared 
Sparks,  Dr.  Beck,  Felton's  brother,  and  Longfellow.  Mr.  Ware  and 
his  son  came  in  after  dinner. 

November  20t/i.— Webster   called   and   sat   a   short   time.     I  felt 


yet  they  cannot  find  a  corner  for  me  in  La  Vendue  or  elsewhere  to  give  me  employment. 
You  are  happy  :  your  reputation  depends  upon  yourself  alone.  Two  hours  passed  on  the 
boards  brings  you  before  the  public  whence  all  glory  emanates.  But  for  us  soldiers  we  are 
forced  to  pay  dearly  for  fame  upon  an  extensive  stage,  and  after  all,  we  are  not  allowed  to 
attain  it.  Therefore,  do  not  regret  the  path  you  have  chosen.  Remain  upon  your  theatre. 
Who  knows  if  I  shall  ever  appear  again  upon  mine  ?  I  have  seen  Monvel,  he  is  a  true  friend. 
Barras,  President  of  the  Directory,  makes  fine  promises,  but  will  he  keep  them?  I  doubt 
it.  In  the  meantime  I  am  reduced  to  my  last  sous.  Have  you  a  few  crowns  to  spare  me  ? 
I  will  not  refuse  them,  and  promise  to  repay  you  out  of  the  first  kingdom  I  win  by  my 
sword.  How  happy  were  the  heroes  of  Ariosto  ;  they  had  not  to  depend  upon  a  minister  of 
war.     Adieu. 

"  Yours, 

"  BWONAPARTE.  " 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1843 

pained  to  see  him — he  looked  old,  ill  and  embarrassed.  His  sun  seems 
fast  setting ;  how  changed  from  the  gay  and  animated  person  I  met 
in  AVashington  at  Everett's  and  Vaughan's — alas !  "Went  to  rehearsal 
of  Othello,  which  seemed  almost  hopeless.  Letter  from  Blake  of 
Philadelphia,  one  from  dear  Forster  that  made  me  happier.  Answered 
Ward's  note  of  invitation.  Acted  Othello  resolutely,  and  I  think 
fairly,  but  the  support  I  had  without  exception  was  too  had. 

November  21st. — Hillard  read  Sydney  Smith's  letter  to  the  Morn- 
ing Chronicle,  which  would  have  been  good  if  not  disfigured  by  some 
bad  temper  and  therefore  some  bad  taste.  Ticknor  suggested  to  me 
what  he  said  was  widely  desired  and  requested — that  I  should  give 
Readings  of  Shakspeare.  I  talked  over  tlie  matter  and  said  I  would 
consider  it.  Dined  with  Grattan ;  met  the  ]\Iayor,  Brimner,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Otis,  Abbott  Lawi'ence,  Commodore  Kennequha,  Mr.  Gore,  and 
Mr.  Sears.  Passed  a  cheerful  afternoon.  Went  to  Lawrence's,  ex- 
pecting a  small  party,  as  "  the  death  of  one  of  his  kindred  prevented 
him  from  seeing  company  " ;  found  his  rooms  full ;  was  introduced 
to  herds.  Saw  Ticknor,  Gray,  Prescott,  Curtis,  Bancroft,  Sears, 
Sumner,  and  most  I  knew ;  was  introduced  to  Mrs.  Bancroft — one  of 
the  sweetest  and  prettiest  women  I  ever  saw — to  Ward,  Miss  Ward, 
Mrs.  Chase,  very  agreeable.  Mr.  Webster,  Mrs.  Webster,  Miss 
Webster ;  in  fact,  it  is  impossible  to  recollect  the  very  many.  All  were 
very  agreeable ;  would  have  been  more  so  if  I  had  been  a  little  more  a 
free  agent,  but  I  was  a  lion,  and  in  good  earnest.  I  talked  with  a 
great  many  people ;  in  fact,  was  not  one  moment  unoccupied,  for  I 
was  taken  away  from  one  to  other,  as  if  there  was  to  be  a  guard  against 
any  preference.  I  liked  almost  all  the  people  I  saw.  Very  many 
spoke  to  me  of  the  Readings,  earnestly  and  with  some  persuasive 
arguments.  Grattan  came  to  me  from  a  body  to  ask  me.  It  makes 
it  a  subject  to  think  upon. 

November  9.^nd. — Acted  Hamlet  with  resolution  against  weariness 
and  weakness,  and  for  the  most  part  very  effectively.  The  daggers 
about  me  are  dire!  One  said  to  the  Ghost,  "J/  thou  art  privy  to  thy 
counti]y^s  peace,  which  happily  foreknowing  may  avoid,  speak!  " 

November  23n/. — Called  on  Charles  Sumner;  saw  him  and  Hillard; 
appointed  to  call  on  him  after  rehearsal  and  go  to  the  Supreme  Court 
to  see  Judge  Story.  Ran  through  a  rehearsal.  Called  on  Sumner  and 
went  with  liiin  to  I  he  Court.  He  showed  me  first  a  magistrate's  court 
— very  superior  to  our  magistrates'  courts  in  England  in  point  of  com- 
fort, cleanliness  and  general  accommodation — beyond  the  posaihiliiy 
238 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   M  ACRE  AD  Y 

of  denial.  In  the  Supreme  Court  Judge  Story  was  presiding ;  he  came 
off  the  Bench  to  speak  to  us,  and  most  warmly  greeted  me.  His 
manner  is  pleasing  beyond  that  of  most  men — gentle,  dignified,  and 
hearty,  he  wins  at  once  upon  our  respect  and  affection ;  he  impressed 
me  most  strongly  with  the  character  of  exceeding  amiability.  Went 
into  the  Criminal  Court,  where  a  trial  was  proceeding  for  violation 
of  the  Sabbath.  In  both  these  courts  the  arrangement  for  a  double 
jury  struck  me  as  a  great  convenience.  The  accommodation  also  for 
the  jury  and  for  the  counsel  is  infinitely  superior  to  the  models  of 
excellence  which  English  writers  would  persuade  us  are  alone  to  be 
found  in  England.  The  juries  I  saw  empanelled  in  three  courts  were 
most  respectable  men — certainly  in  dress  and  appearance  above  our 
average  common  juries,  so  much  so  that  I  inquired  if  they  were  not 
special,  and  learned  they  were  not.  There  is  a  very  comfortable  arm- 
chair for  each  juryman — twelve  on  each  side  of  the  court,  and  when 
one  jury  retires  to  consult  upon  its  verdict,  a  fresh  cause  is  called  on, 
and  the  opposite  jury  are  proceeded  with.  There  are  no  wigs  on 
judge  or  counsel.  Judge  Story,  as  Chief  Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court, 
wears  a  black  gown,  the  only  distinction  of  costume  in  the  administra- 
tion of  justice ;  but  there  were  no  reproofs  of  the  judge  to  any  persons 
in  court  for  indecorum,  or  noise — no  interruption,  notliing  to  disturb 
the  gravity  of  the  process.  It  was  grave,  reverend  and,  may  I  not 
say,  potent  to  good.  I  saw  the  records  of  the  causes,  which  are 
entered  in  books,  volumed,  numbered  and  indexed,  and  seem  to  me 
simpler  and  less  expensive  than  our  parchment  rolls.  Went  to  the 
Registry  of  Deeds,  which  enables  the  man  of  business  to  ascertain  the 
perplexing — often  destructive — question  of  title  at  once.  Passed  on 
to  the  Mayor's  office.  No  business  was  going  on,  but  I  was  pleased 
with  the  arrangement  of  this  little  Parliament  of  the  Muncipality — 
all  the  city  business  under  one  roof,  and  all  so  well,  so  very  commod- 
iously,  handsomely  and  yet  economically  laid  out  for  business — quite 
fitting  a  great  Republican  City.  Continued  our  walk  to  look  at  the 
market,  which  is  an  excellent  one,  a  very  long  alley  down  the  build- 
ing, each  side  of  which  is  occupied  by  roomy  stalls  of  the  various 
vendors  of  marketable  viands.  Old  Faneuil  Hall — the  '"cradle  of 
liberty  " — I  did  not  go  into.  We  went  to  the  Exchange  Room,  a 
very  handsome  one,  where  all  the  papers  are  on  labelled  desks,  that  lead 
you  to  that  you  seek.  I  called  on  Miss  Cushman,  talked  with  her  a 
little,  and  took  leave  of  her  most  kindly,  but  without  the  slightest 
indication   that   our  acquaintance  is  to   become   more  intimate.     She 

239 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1843 

kissed  my  hand,  but  I  was  only  kind.  I  sent  hei*  afterwards  the  verses 
she  had  lent  me.  Sumner  left  with  a  card  a  note  from  Mrs.  Cary  to 
him,  inquiring  about  my  nights  of  performance.  I  answered  it. 
Rested,  thinking  a  little — a  very  little — of  Richelieu.  No  news  of  my 
letters  from  home  !  It  begins  to  be  very  trying  to  my  patience.  I  talked 
with  Sumner  very  much  to-day  about  the  Readings.  He  discussed 
the  matter  quite  in  a  business-like  way — the  pros  and  cons — which  is 
the  proper  way  to  get  at  the  probable  results.  On  the  score  of  profit, 
he  talked  of  two  evenings  producing  me  $2000,  i.  e.  £400,  a  sum,  if 
doubled,  to  make  one  pause.  The  consideration  of  his  plan  of  lectur- 
ing involves  of  course  my  prolonged  stay  in  this  country.  .  .  .  Acted 
Cardinal  Richelieu  with  much  effort,  struggling  and  at  last  battlmg 
against  the  odious  and  disgusting  contagion  of  these  senseless  drones 
and  beetles  that  go  huzz-ing  about  the  scene.  Succeeded,  though  not 
in  pleasing  myself,  yet  in  exciting  the  audience.  Spoke  to  Ryder  about 
his  acting.  He  had  brought  me  an  account  from  Mr.  Pelby  to-day 
of  the  auction  for  boxes,  which  was  really  shameful.  Desired  him  to 
tell  Mr.  Hamilton  that  if  it  was  a  humbug,  I  would  not  be  a  party  to 
it,  but  would  expose  it  and  give  my  share  to  some  charity  of  the  city. 

November  25f/i. — On  this  day  three  years  it  was  God's  will 
that  my  sweet  child,  my  darling  Joan,  should  be  taken  from  us.  I 
feel  as  if  she  still  had  being,  and  look  upon  that  heavenly  face  as  it 
lay  before  me  like  a  cherub's  in  tranquil  beauty  and  innocence.  I  feel 
as  if  in  becoming  a  tenant  of  the  grave  I  should  have  companionship 
with  her.     Blessed  be  her  sweet  spirit ! 

November  ^6th. — C.  Sumner  dined  with  me,  and  we  went  together 
to  Cambridge.     Called  on  Longfellow,   and  sat  some  time  with  him 

and  Mrs.  L .     Went  to  Judge  Story's ;  passed  a  most  agreeable 

evening  there ;  met  Felton,  Jared  Sparks,  Professors  Beck  and 
Williams,  Mrs.  and  Miss  Story,  Mr.  William  Story  and  his  wife, 
Judge  Foy,  etc.     A  most  lively  and  pleasant  evening. 

November  9nth. — Acted  Virginius  in  a  very  superior  manner. 
Went  with  Summer  and  Felton  to  the  Oyster  Saloon  Concert  Hall, 
where  Hillard  joined  us.  Supped  on  broiled  oysters,  with  some  of 
the  ingenious  and  beautifully  composed — I  should  say  constructed — 
drinks  that  are  conspicuous  in  this  country.  \Ve  had  a  very  agreeable 
evening — at  least,  I  had. 

November  28i/i. — Acted  Werner  fairly ;  but  there  never  was  such 
an  Ulrich — such  a  wretch — as  the  man  in  this  company  is.  Received 
two  papers  with  well-written  articles ;  in  one  it  was  copied  from  a 
240 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

New  York  paper  that  Miss  Cushman  was  to  accompany  me  in  my 
Southern  tour  and  then  go  to  London  and  appear  under  my  auspices. 
This  is  really  too  bad — without  a  shadow  of  truth. 

November  29t/i. — Quite  worn  down  by  fatigue  and  want  of  sleep. 
Not  well ;  rose  late,  and  spoke  to  Ryder  about  attending  the  rehearsal 
for  me.  What  should  I  have  done  without  him  ?  I  could  not  have 
got  through.  Went  on  the  stage  to  act  and  was  taken  all  aback  on 
seeing  the  pit  not  more  than  half  full.  I  tugged  against  it — right 
nobly — recollected  afterwards  that  it  was  the  Eve  of  Thanksgiving 
Day.     All  was  explained.     I  acted  very  vigorously;  called  for. 

New  York,  December  4<t/i. — Rehearsed  Melantius — the  play  in  a 
wretched  state ;  Miss  Cushman,  who  had  her  part  when  I  was  in 
Philadelphia,  reading! — knowing  nothing  of  what  she  had  to  do! 
How  can  there  be  artists  when  this  lady,  one  of  the  most  inteUigent 
and  ambitious,  so  entirely  disregards  the  duties  of  her  calling  ? 
Amintor — reading!! — without  a  remote  guess  at  the  meaning  of  his 
part !     The  drama  is  declining  do  people  say  ! — what  drama  ? 

December  5th. — Talked  with  Miss  Cushman  about  her  want  of 
energy  and  purpose  in  studying  her  art.  She  made  the  usual  excuses. 
She  told  me  that  Mrs.  Butler  was  literally  wretched,  that  Butler's 
feeling  to  her  was  absolute  aversion ;  I  do  not  know  her  authority  for 
saying  so  much — that  Mrs.  Butler  had  written  to  her  that  the  only 
consoling  reflection  on  her  birthday  was,  that  another  year  of  wretched- 
ness being  gone,  she  was  so  much  nearer  its  termination.  Miss  Cush- 
man said  that  but  for  her  children,  she  would  go  on  the  stage  again. 
That  would  not  do. 

December  6th. — Acted  Melantius — unequally,  some  parts  good,  in 
others  felt  a  want  of  strength,  in  others  was  cut  up  by  the  people 
(particularly  by  the  person  acting  Archas,  the  jailer ;  this  man  was 
conspicuously  absurd  and  deficient)  with  me  —  Miss  Cushman 
particularly. 

December  '^th. — Acted  Werner  veiy  fairly — in  some  parts  well. 
Was  called  for.  Went  to  Astor's,  a  very  magnificent  house — spacious 
rooms,  most  richly  and  elegantly  furnished,  and  a  large  number  of 
persons  of  a  really  fashionable  appearance,  really  elegantly-looking 
persons.  I  asked  young  Astor  if  there  were  many  Europeans  there  ; 
he  said  not.  I  saw  Count  Montalto  there,  who  it  seems  has  been 
staying  at  New  York,  Halleck,  Murray,  Davis,  etc.  I  was  tired,  and 
felt  that  it  was  a  place  for  young  people  to  enjoy,  and  I  have  long 
ceased  to  mingle  with  them. 

VOL.   II.  R  24 1 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1843 

December  Sth. — Went  to  the  rehearsal  of  Benedict ;  was  much 
dissatisfied  with  several.  Saw  enough  of  the  unsteadiness  of  Miss 
Cushnian  to  perceive  that  the  first  qualification  of  an  artist  is  not 
there.  She  was  speaking  to  me  of  Mrs.  Butler,  with  whom  she 
naturally  sides  in  the  question  of  disagreement  with  her  husband  ;  she 
ascribes  the  unhappiness  to  arise  from  his  fickleness  and  infidelity  ;  but 
I  have  seen  enough  to  satisfy  me  that  there  has  been  enough  at  home 
to  drive  a  loving  heart  from  home.  I  admire  her  and  like  much  in 
her,  but  she  is  unhappy  in  not  being  aware  of  the  profit  and  the  delight 
of  conciliating.  Forrest  called  after  dinner.  He  told  me  that  Cathe- 
rine had  written  to  him.  Answered  Sedgwick.  Acted  Benedict  as  well 
as  I  could  to  an  indifferent  house,  who  seemed  much  pleased.  Was 
called  for.  David  Golden  came  into  my  room.  Spoke  to  Mr.  Barry. 
That  idiot — imbecile — Mr.  Simpson — has  ruined  this  engagement. 
God  grant  that  in  this  he  may  not  have  ruined  that  to  come! 

December  9th. — Looked  at  some  American  Saturday  papers,  which 
state  that  Miss  Cushman  more  than  shared  the  applause  of  the  audience 
with  me  in  the  Bridal.  If  it  w^as  so,  I  never  heard  one  hand  of  it. 
She  is  an  intriguante,  I  fear,  a  very  double  person.  Dined  with  Griffin  ; 
met  Prescott,  Hall,  J.  Hamilton,  Barclay,  Pryor,  Dr.  Francis,  Girard, 
etc.  An  American  dinner  :  terapin  soup,  bass-fish,  bear,  wild  turkey, 
canvas-back  duck,  roasted  oysters,  etc.  Delicious  wines;  a  very 
agreeable  day. 

December  11th. — A  long  letter  from  Mr.  Marshall,  the  Phila- 
delphia manager,  proposing  to  me,  and  evidently  thinking  he  had  hit 
upon  a  most  brilliant  device  :  to  act  at  Philadelphia  in  the  spring  "  on 
alternate  nights  the  same  plays  Avith  Mr.  Forrest."  Monday,  Hamlet, 
Mr.  Macready ;  Tuesday,  Hamlet,  Mr.  Forrest ;  Wednesday,  Othello, 
Mr.  Macready ;  Thursday,  Othello,  Mr.  Forrest,  etc.  I  answered 
him,  of  course  declining.  Felt  very  low  and  unwell.  Rehearsed  the 
greater  part  of  King  Lear,  but  saw  that  its  performance  would  be  dis- 
creditable and  do  me  thereby  injury  in  my  last  engagement.  The 
treasurer  came  to  tell  me  that  the  people  would  not  take  places  for 
Much  Ado — he  affected  to  throw  it  on  Miss  Cushman,  but  I  suppose 
they  do  not  understand  it  or  do  not  like  it.  I  am  agreeable,  and 
changed  lo-morrow's  play  to  Werner.  Went  home  to  devise  some 
substitute  for  King  Lear.  Ryder  came  in  and  suggested  Marino 
Faliero.  I  considered  it,  and  found  it  the  best  thing  to  be  done. 
Acted  Me'antius  fairly ;  called  for.  They  called  for  Miss  Cushman 
here,  who  gets  puffed  in  the  papers — very  absurdly. 
242 


CHARLOTTE    CUSUMAN 

Ffoiii  an  engraviiici  of  a  Dagverreotiqie 


1843]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

December  IQth. — Ryder  came  in.  I  asked  him  to  get  a  newspaper 
for  me.  He  inquired  if  Miss  Cushman  had  asked  me  to  play  for  her 
Benefit  on  Saturday,  which  he  had  previously  in  the  morning  told 
me  was  her  intention.  I  told  him  no.  He  said  he  had  communicated 
to  her  how  displeased  and  angry  I  should  be  at  any  application  of  the 
sort,  but  she  said  she  should  write  to  me  and  ask  me.  I  was  very 
angry.  He  had  also  told  me  that  Mr.  Hunt  wished  me  to  act  for  his 
wife's  Benefit.  My  anger  cooling  (who  ever  does  right  in  anger?),  I 
thought  of  a  mode  of  dealing  with  Miss  Cushman.  At  the  theatre 
sent  for  Mr.  Hunt,  asked  him  about  his  request,  which  he  admitted, 
and  I  in  the  kindest  manner  explained  to  him  that  it  was  not  possible, 
etc.,  but  that  if  I  did  for  any  I  would  for  him.  I  thus  have  fixed 
Miss  Cushman.  Acted  Cardinal  Richelieu  and  was  cut  up  root  and 
branch  by  the  actors.  I  was  anxious  to  play  well  and  worked  against 
successive  annoyances.  Was  called  for — and  so  was  Miss  Cushman !  !  ! 
Much  flattered  !     Pah  !     Wrote  a  letter  to  dear  Forster. 

December  11th. — Povey  called  and  took  the  books  of  Werner, 
Macbeth,  and  Richelieu  for  New  Orleans;  he  informed  me  of  the 
rapacity  of  Mr.  Ole  Bull  and  his  bear-leader.  They  seem  drunk  with 
their  success  in  this  country,  which  is  evidently  far  beyond  their 
expectations. 

Boston,  December  22/id. — Called  on  Pierce  Butler,  and  on  Mrs. 
Butler,  they  are  separated.  She  talked  much  to  me.  My  fingers  are 
too  sore  and  weary  to  note  down  to-night  her  conversation.  Both,  as 
is  always  the  case,  are  to  blame. 

December  ^2rd. — Acted  Melantius — indifferently  well.  Called  for 
and  made  my  bow.  My  money  for  the  night's  performance  not  forth- 
coming !  This  is  my  first  experience  of  the  scoundrel  managers  of  the 
States — Pennsylvanian  Repudiators !  I  desired  that  Mr.  Ryder  might 
be  paid ;  but  I  did  not  learn  if  they  had  two-fifths  of  the  requisite 
quantity  of  honesty.  Went  to  a  Wistar-party  at  Mr.  Wharton's ;  it 
was  a  noisy  standing-up  supper  with  little  to  attract  or  make  it  agree- 
able, I  remember  Dr.  Chapman  used  to  boast  of  these  parties.  I  do 
not  think  they  bear  out  his  commendations.  At  my  hotel  I  found  a 
letter  from  Miss  Cushman,  detailing  all — and  much  more  than  was  true 
— that  I  had  not  let  drop  before  Mr.  Ryder  on  the  subject  of  her 
Benefit  at  New  York.  It  is  too  bad  that  I  am  to  be  tormented  thus. 
I  answered  her  letter. 

Baltimore,   December   Q5th. — Rehearsed    Macbeth,   and    oh!    the 
rehearsal ! — nothing,  nothing  like  scene  or  property  or  trap,  or  move- 
R2  243 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1843 

ment  on  the  stage — and  the  actors !  I  looked  at  it  all  with  com- 
placent despair,  resolving  to  try  and  play  my  best  for  my  own  sake, 
but  expecting  a  bad  house,  and  feeling  very  low  about  the  whole  aflfair. 
Coming  to  my  hotel  I  wrote  to  dear  Forster.  Old  Mr.  Barnum,  a 
very  well-mannered  old  man,  came  in  and  sat  some  time  with  me ; 
talked  very  intelligentl}-,  but  did  not  raise  my  hopes  of  success  here, 
as  he  described  the  population  quite  priest-ridden — his  own  wife  among 
the  rest.  Continued  and  finished  my  letter  to  Forster.  Prompter 
came  to  apologize  to  me  for  ''no  supernumeraries."  Acted  with 
peculiar  discrimination,  feeling,  and  energy,  and  I  think  quite  roused 
the  intellectual  among  the  audience.     They  called  for  me. 

December  26i/i. — I^ooked  at  a  Baltimore  paper — one  upon  a  file, 
saw  in  it  an  extract  from  the  New  York  Herald — the  grossest  puff  of 
Mr.  Ole  Bull ;  looking  over  the  file  saw  several  others ;  looked  if  my 
own  name  was  there — not  once  in  the  file  of  papers.  Went  to  the 
theatre.  The  afternoon  had  been  and  the  night  was  very  wet ;  the 
house  was  wretched — so  Ryder  came  to  inform  me.  Mr.  Richings 
asked  to  speak  to  me — I  guessed  his  object,  it  was  to  ask  if  I  would 
play,  as  there  probably  would  not  be  more  than  $100,  or  dismiss  the 
audience.  I  said  I  would  play  if  there  were  100  cents.  I  acted  Werner 
with  every  possible  drawback — Stralenheim  very  bad,  Idenstein,  Ida 
and  Ulric  greatly  imperfect.  Oh,  what  a  life  for  reasoning  man  to 
live,  and  yet,  with  these  "hostages  to  fortune,"  what  to  do?  I  was 
very  unhappy — all  seemed  to  go  against  me. 

December  ^Ith. — Not  feeling  well  and  in  very  low  spirits;  quite 
depressed ;  the  house  last  night  spoke  much  to  me — it  seemed  the  title- 
page  to  a  tragic  volume.  I  could  not  rally  against  it.  Went  to 
rehearsal,  having  vainly  striven  against  my  dejection.  Rehearsed 
Richelieu.  Our  house  last  night  was  $110.  Ole  Bull's  concert,  they 
say,  had  260  people,  so  that  perhaps  one  should  not  be  very  discon- 
tented in  a  city,  proverbial  through  the  Union  for  poor  encourage- 
ment to  art.  Spoke  with  Ryder  about  our  journey.  Rested.  Letter 
from  Miss  Cushman — oh !  I  do  not  like  thee,  Dr.  Fell ! 

December  28t/i. — Acted  Hamlet.  Cut  up  from  the  beginning  to 
the  end — striving,  struggling,  vainly  against  the  wretches  that  were 
sent  on  with  me.  I  never  remember  anything  worse.  Polonius  in  a 
6a^-wig  of  King  Charles — not  speaking  three  lines  of  the  text  con- 
secutively— Horatio  speaking  my  speches  !  and  acting,  as  if  on  purpose, 
to  annoy  nic  ;  Rosencrantz  and  Guildenstern  cutiing  out  and  making 
nonsense  of  the  dialogue.  Altogether  disgraceful. 
244 


1844 

To  Charleston,  January  Ixt. — Woke  at  an  early  liour  in  the  steam- 
boat, as,  after  a  tranquil  night  and  rapid  run,  we  were  approaching 
the  Charleston  light.  Offered  up  my  prayers  to  God  for  help  and 
sustainment  through  the  year  which  this  day  begins,  and  wishing  to 
my  beloved  wife  and  family  a  happy  new  year,  and  many  renewals  of 
it.  Prayed  for  these  blessings  on  them.  Dressed  and  went  on  deck, 
which  was  a  relief  to  me  after  the  disturbed  night  I  had  passed, 
haunted  with  imaginations  of  all  kinds  of  dreadful  possibilities.  The 
morning  was  most  beautiful,  the  first  gleams  of  sunlight  just  begin- 
ning to  break  in  upon  the  grey  as  I  went  upon  the  upper  deck ;  I 
watched  the  glory  of  the  sunrise,  and  the  growing  objects  as  we 
neared  the  city,  rejoicing  and  grateful  for  our  safe  arrival.  Came  on 
at  once  to  my  hotel,  where  Mr.  Forbes  soon  called.  The  anticipated, 
indeed  announced,  arrival  of  Mr.  Ole  Bull  made  him  doubtful  as  to 
the  prudence  of  his  course ;  he  wanted  to  make  out  of  both  of  us  if 
he  could.  Feeling  from  the  puffery  that  Mr.  Ole  Bull  must  disturb 
my  engagement,  I  gave  my  opinion  that  it  would  be  best  to  defer 
my  appearance  one  week.  After  long  talking  and  deliberation  and 
other  counsel  he  decided  on  it. 

January  2nd. — One  good,  I  hope,  if  no  more,  will  result  from 
my  visit  to  America — it  will  assure  me,  certify  me,  of  what  figures, 
face,  the  appearance  of  others,  all  things  have  failed  sufficiently  to 
impress  upon  me,  viz.  that  I  am  far  advanced  in  life — with  Othello, 
''declined  into  the  vale  of  years."  I  must  endeavour  to  keep  this 
before  me  in  my  words  and  actions,  and  let  them  bear  the  impress 
of  my  own  consciousness ;  for,  at  present,  I  am  too  much  the  creature 
of  habit  in  allowing  myself  to  be  subject  to  a  retiring  and  deprecatory 
style  that  only  properly  becomes  a  young  man.  I  do  not  feel  old  in 
mind,  however  I  may  perceive  a  diminution  of  my  bodily  strength, 
but  I  must  be  careful  not  to  let  age  overtake  me.  Continued  my 
work,  completing  it,  on  my  year's  books.  Mr.  Ryder  called  to  show 
me  some  further  mendacious  puffs  by  Mr.  Bennett  of  Mr.  Ole  Bull, 

245 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1844 

in  which  he  by  a  gross  falsehood  sacrifices  the  reputation  of  Cinti  and 
Artot,  and  makes  a  darkling  thrust  at  me.  Called  at  Mr.  Miller's, 
bookseller,  to  look  for  Dr.  Irving,  who  had  been  anxious  to  see  nie. 
He  met  us  as  we  were  leaving  the  shop,  and  we  were  introduced.  His 
frank,  hearty  greeting  made  me  feel  friends  with  him  directly ;  he  was 
at  Rugby,  a  junior  boy,  when  I  was  in  the  sixth  form  ;  boarded  at 
Moore's ;  remembered  me  speaking  the  closet  scene  in  Hamlet  and  a 
speech  from  Livius.  The  air  was  humid,  but  so  mild  that  my  spirits 
felt  its  influence.  It  was  to  me  an  exhilarating  sight,  which  I  stopped 
to  enjoy,  to  see  various  kinds  of  roses  in  full  bloom  in  a  garden  with 
the  bulbous  plants,  and  the  hollyhocks,  wild  orange,  etc.,  in  healthy 
leaf,  with  several  tropical  plants. 

January  2rd. — Took  a  long  walk  down  Meeting  Street,  along  the 
Battery,  to  top  of  Broad  Street  beyond  the  boundary,  returning  by 
King  Street ;  was  delighted  with  the  warm  sunshiny  day,  the  fresh  air, 
the  foliage  of  the  wild  orange,  the  palmetto,  the  roses  in  bloom,  the 
violets,  the  geraniums,  etc.,  but  was  pained  to  see  the  coloured  people 
go  out  of  the  way  and  show  a  deference  to  us  as  to  superior  beings. 
The  white  houses,  with  their  green  verandahs  and  gardens,  were  light 
and  lively  to  me,  and  the  frequent  view  of  the  river  afforded  often  a 
picturesque  termination  to  the  street. 

January  4<th. — Irving  called  and  sat  some  time.  He  told  me  he 
had  written  a  notice  of  me  for  Saturday,  which  he  had  finished  with 
the  incident  of  the  '*  child."  ^  I  told  him  "  it  was  not  true."  He  was 
surprised,  but  said  "Never  mind,  it  will  do  for  our  religious  people," 
and  was  earnest  to  use  it.  I  objected  to  it  that  as  I  never  had 
practised  humbug  I  should  not  like  now  to  begin.  After  some  demur, 
he  relinquished  it. 

January  5th. — Spoke  with  Ryder,  who  gave  me  an  account  of  a 
conversation  with  Ole  Bull  yesterday  at  dinner — which  exhibits  him 
as  a  most  rapacious,  avaricious,  spiteful  and  envious  man  ;  he  would 
deprive  poor  Artot  (who  seems  to  make  little  enough)  of  the  little 
that  he  may  glean,  if  he  were  not  tied  down  by  his  engagements  and 
would  foUmc  him  at  once  ("the  d — d  fellow,"  as  he  calls  him)  to  the 
Havannah  :  he  will  break  or  evade,  he  says,  his  engagement  at  New 
Orleans  by  a  quibble — which  he  cannot  do — and  will  either  ruin 
Schubert,  or  lie  shall  ruin  him.  In  fact,  he  is  quite  as  extravagant  as 
a  beggar  on  horseback  ;  he  is  a  quack,  and  a  very  evil-minded  and 

'  An  apocryphal  accounl  of  a  thrilling  "rescue"  exploit  by  Macready,  which  the  Press 
was  constantly  publishing  in  spite  of  his  emphatic  disclaimers. 
246 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

bad-hearted  one  :  a  fit  subject  for  the  eulogy  of  Mr.  Bennett.  Read 
some  pages  of  the  history  of  the  Church — the  very  commencement  of 
which  is  sufficient  to  show  that  ''The  Church  "  as  calling  itself  the 
outward  or  visible  sign,  or  the  embodiment  of  Christianity,  or  the 
traditional  assembly  from  the  early  Christians,  is  a  gross  imposture. 
January  6th. — Received  a  note,  a  very  kind  one,  from  Dr.  Irving, 
telling  me  that  by  an  inadvertency  the  paragraph  with  the  anecdote  of 
"the  child"  had  been  kept  by  the  compositors  in  the  paper,  and 
begging  me  not  to  notice  it.  Now  I  cannot  like  this,  nor  can  I  close 
my  lips  upon  a  falsehood  that  gives  me  consideration  to  which  I  am 
not  entitled.  I  rehearsed  Hamlet,  taking  pains  with  it.  Judge  King 
called  for  me,  and  asked  me  to  accompany  him  to  Ogilby's,  where  we 
both  were  to  dine.  I  was  much  pleased  to  go  with  him.  At  Ogilby's 
I  met  Pettigrew,  a  lawyer,  very  clever  and  very  humorous.  Looked 
at  the  papers,  and  was  sickened  with  the  sentimental  puffery  of  Mr. 
N.  P.  Willis  over  the  catgut  of  Ole  Bull. 

January  1th. — Dined  with  Judge  King ;  was  amused  at  dinner  with 
a  negro  boy  whose  sole  business  was  with  a  long  feather  brush  to  beat 
away  the  flies  from  the  viands  at  table.  After  the  ladies  had  retired, 
I  introduced  again  the  subject  of  the  General  who  had  shot  deliber- 
ately a  young  man,  said  to  have  seduced  his  daughter,  and  whom  an 
editor  of  this  city  had  justified,  saying  that  no  judge  or  jury  would 
find  him  guilty,  and  in  fact  extolling,  not  lamenting  and  palliating  by 
circumstances  the  murder.  The  two  judges.  King  and  Chivers,  both 
seemed  to  admit  that  of  right  it  was  a  case  beyond  the  law,  and  in 
short  virtually  justified  the  act  against  the  law.  Now  this  I  cannot 
understand.  Either  the  law  is  undisputed  sovereign — it  is  supreme — 
or  it  is  worse  than  nothing  :  when  the  sentence  of  the  law  is  pronounced 
the  arm  of  power  may  be  extended  in  mercy  to  prevent  its  execution 
on  account  of  extenuating  circumstances ;  but  if  such  deeds  as  these 
and  practising  for  duels  are  to  be  admitted  as  usage  by  the  law,  give 
me  bondage  before  such  freedom.  Chivers  said  that  the  law  was  not 
duly  enforced,  but  that  the  particular  comfort  of  the  people  did  not 
make  it  necessary  among  them  !  !  !  Slavery,  legalized  duelling  with 
due  preparation,  and  deliberate  assassination — um  !  "  must  give  us 
pause. ''^ 

January  8th. — Acted  Hamlet,  I  scarcely  know  how.  I  strove  and 
fought  up  against  what  I  thought  the  immobility  of  the  audience ;  I 
would  not  be  beaten  cravenly,  but  such  a  performance  is  never  satis- 
factory— at   least   to    the   actor.      When   he   is   contending   with    the 

247 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1844 

humour  of  liis  audience,  adieu  then  to  all  happy  moments ;  to  all 
forgetfulness  of  self,  to  the  ilan  of  enthusiasm.  I  died  game,  for  I 
tried  to  sustain  myself  to  the  last.     Called  for. 

Januarti  dth. — Ryder  called  in,  and  gave  me  some  information 
respecting  the  audience  of  last  night,  and  further  that  Vieuxtemps 
passed  through  (I  saw  his  fiddle-case)  this  morning  on  his  way  to 
New  Orleans. 

January  10th. — Rose  in  very  depressed  spirits.  My  thoughts 
wander  onward  to  painful  possibilities  in  the  chances  of  my  life,  that, 
for  my  blessed  children's  sake,  bear  down  my  energies.  The  main 
cause  of  all  this  is  that  dreadful  defect  in  my  education,  having  had 
no  guide,  no  proper  adviser  to  lead  me  to  understand  the  value  of 
money  and  the  care  of  it.  I  am  shocl'cd  when  I  think  of  the  sums 
I  have  received  for  my  labour,  and  the  miserable  balance  that  is  left 
in  my  hands.  What  can  I  do?  To  lose  my  resolution  in  despondency 
and  repining  would  be  to  make  worse  what  is  bad.  I  will  endeavour 
in  economy  to  repair,  as  far  as  is  left  me,  the  improvidence  of  the 
past,  and  labour  with  untiring  energy  to  improve  the  prospects  of  the 
future.  Went  to  rehearsal  of  Macbeth,  with  which  I  took  pains,  but 
in  which  I  felt  excessive  weariness  even  to  pain — is  it  "  the  coming 
on  of  time,"  etc.?  Dined  lightly — which  I  xcill  never  omit  to  do 
again,  ichen  I  have  to  act;  it  is  due  to  myself,  to  my  reputation,  to 
my  pecuniary  interest,  to  my  dear  children^  welfare.  I  will  never 
trifle  with  my  duty  in  this  respect  again.  Acted  Macbeth  with  great 
care  and  great  energy ;  before  an  applauding  audience  the  perform- 
ance would  have  made  a  sensation.  The  treasurer  brought  me  the 
return  of  the  house,  which  was  exceedingly  good,  when  the  very  bad 
weather  of  the  whole  day  is  taken  into  account. 

January  12th. — Dr.  Irving  called  for  me.  We  went  to  the  gaol — 
it  is  a  very  small  building — for  both  debtors  and  felons,  who  are, 
however,  apart.  It  was  very  clean.  I  saw  the  negro  crew  of  a  ship 
locked  up  together  until  the  sailing  of  the  vessel,  the  law  of  the  State 
not  allowing  them  to  be  at  liberty.  I  saw  some  prisoners  for  minor 
offences  ;  one  had  been  whipped  for  petty  larceny  ;  some  negroes  below 
who  were  kept  in  the  premises  of  the  gaol  till  they  could  be  sold  ! 
Good  God!  is  this  right?  They  are  an  inferior  class  of  man,  but 
still  they  are  man.  They  showed  me  the  condemned  cells ;  one  in 
which  a  murderer  had  spent  his  last  night  last  summer.  The  world 
is  a  riddle  to  me ;  I  am  not  satisfied  with  this  country  as  it  at  present 
is.  I  think  it  will,  it  must,  work  out  its  own  purification.  But  at 
248 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

present  it  is  not  high  in  its  moral  tone — vide  New  York  American  on 
''English  fashions^' — referring  to  repudiation,  etc.;  it  is  very  low 
in  taste — vide  et  audi  passim;  and  in  general  refinement,  of  course, 
it  must  be  behind  Europe — thought  to  be,  and  I  think  must  he  a  great 
country — great  in  arts,  in  literature,  in  its  moral  elevation.  Irving 
told  me  of  a  paper,  Patriot,  that  had  been  writing  against  me — he 
described  it  as  speaking  of  me  being  deficient  in  muscular  power,  and 
seemingly  it  was  a  sort  of  Forrest  article.     I  did  not  care  about  it. 

January  13th. — Read  of  a  Mr.  Rives,  with  a  gang  of  negroes, 
ripping  up  two  and  a  half  miles  of  the  Norfolk  and  Roancha 
Railroad !  !  !  These  instances  of  defiance  to  the  law  are  what  stagger 
those  who  hope  well  for  self-government.  I  pause.  Ogilby  called, 
and  confidentially  related  circumstances  of  great  atrocity  occurring 
in  this  State.  An  overseer,  against  his  master's  orders,  flogging 
a  runaway  negro,  tying  him  up  all  night,  getting  up  in  the  night  to 
repeat  the  torture,  and  repeating  it  till  the  wretched  creature  died 
under  the  lash.  The  felon  was  acquitted.  A  person  supposed  by 
another  to  trench  upon  ground  which  he  claimed,  was,  in  the  midst 
of  his  own  labourers,  shot  dead  by  the  villain  in  open  day  ;  the  felon 
was  acquitted !  These  are  heart-sickening  narratives.  Judge  King 
called  for  me  and  took  me  to  Chancellor  Dunkin's,  where  the  judges 
of  the  State  met  to  dine.  I  was  introduced  to  all.  Chivers  I  knew. 
Chancellor  Harper,  Judge  Butler;  Johnson  I  liked  best.  About 
eighteen  or  twenty  dined ;  here  was  no  want  of  character  or  manner, 
nor  of  any  needful  gravity  or  grace  befitting  a  meeting  of  republican 
judges.  I  could  not  help  feeling  that  these  judges  of  a  country 
asserting  itself  free  were  waited  on  by  slaves ! 

January  IMh. — Ryder  informed  me  that  Mr.  N.  P.  Willis,  in 
his  Washington  letter,  stated  that  "Mr.  Macready  was  continuing 
his  course  southward,  his  attraction  diminishing  as  he  proceeded." 
What  a  miserable  reptile  must  this  be!  Despicable  for  the  malice 
that  would  suggest  the  circulation  of  an  injurious  statement,  even 
if  true,  but  pitiable  when  his  malignity  is  driven  to  falsehood  for  its 
indulgence.  I  should  be  very  blameable  to  allow  m)'self  to  be 
irritated  by  the  meanness  of  such  a  pitiful  person. 

January  15th. — Much  depressed  on  rising  this  morning — I  do  not 
know  whether  from  my  state  of  body  or  mind.  My  spirits,  however, 
were  very  low,  and  I  was  quite  unequal  to  make  any  effort  with  the 
rehearsal.  I  begin  to  feel  my  labour  very  much.  I  trust  and  hope 
in  God  this  is  not  the  decay  of  strength,  or  what  am  I  to  do  ?     Acted 

249 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1844 

Othello — not  well.  I  tried  and  began  with  great  spirit — or  great 
effort — but  was  thrown  out  of  my  feeling  by  the  very  outre  people 
about  me,  and  became  very  indifferent,  and  longing  for  the  play  to 
end  long  before  the  end  of  the  play.  It  was  one  of  my  had  nights  of 
Othello. 

January  16th. — Another  day  of  rain,  rain,  rain.  "The  heavens 
do  frown  upon  me  for  some  ill ;  "  but  I  do  not  feel  as  if  through  my 
life  they  would  ever  smile  again.  The  glimpse  of  bright  hope  and 
comfort  which  I  received  in  the  commencement  of  my  career  in  this 
country  is  now  overgloomed,  and  I  have  little  prospect  onward  but 
of  hard  labour  and  indifferent  payment.  I  am  not  young  enough  to 
live  on  hope,  for  the  period  over  which  my  liope  has  to  extend  is  very 
short.  I  try  to  cheer  and  fortify  myself,  but  I  fear  it  is  a  lost  game. 
At  all  events  I  begin  often  to  feel  very,  very  weary  of  it.  I  have  no 
pleasure  here  but  in  thinking  I  am  making  means  for  my  family,  and 
when  that  is  scanted  I  am  "poor  indeed."  Looked  at  the  paper. 
Rehearsed  Claude  Melnotte.  Acted  Claude  Melnotte  in  a  fractional 
sort  of  manner.  Cut  up  repeatedly  by  the  bad  taste,  etc.,  of  the 
actors. 

January  11th. — Rehearsed  Virginim,  hopeless  of  producing  any 
effect  with  such  a  Virginia  and  Icilius.  Irving  called.  Saw  a  Rev. 
Mr.  Case — the  only  clergyman  in  the  country  who  has  dared  to 
attend  my  performances.  Continued  the  reading  of  My  Neighbours ; 
was  deeply  affected  by  much  of  it,  and  greatly  interested  with  all. 
Thought  of  home  and  dearest  Catherine ;  kissed  her  dear  j)icture  and 
blessed  her  and  all.  The  book  did  me  good,  if  only  in  the  desire  to 
do  right,  and  the  resolution  to  try  to  do  it.  I  was  much  impressed 
by  many  painful  truths,  but  valuable  as  all  truth  must  be,  I  felt  how 
justly  merited  by  myself  was  the  scourge  contained  in  this  passage  : 
'•  Bad  humour,  the  demon  with  which  little  souls  often  tyrannize  over 
those  about  them."  I  suffer — oh,  what  anguish  and  what  shame! — 
from  this  vice  of  temper.  I  had  once  made  progress  in  improving, 
but  care  and  too  much  commerce  with  the  world  has  caused  me  to 
relapse  to  moroseness  and  impatience.  May  God  forgive  me.  Acted 
Virginius  with  all  the  effect  I  could  make  against  distressing  inattention 
and  inefficiency. 

January  19th. — Ryder  came  to  speak  on  business.     Ran  through 

the  rehearsal  of  Hamlet.     The  day  was  really  beautiful,  the  air  quite 

delightful,  delicious,  at  once  inspiriting  and  mild.     Both  the  windows 

of  my  sitting-room  were  wide  open  ;  I  do  not  know  when  I  have  felt 

250 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

more  pleasure  from  the  influence  of  atmosphere.  Called  on  Irving  and 
walked  with  him  to  slave-market,  where  no  business  was  doing.  Could 
not  please  myself  in  the  performance  of  Hamlet  with  all  the  pains  I 
could  take.  Ryder,  as  the  Ghost,  got  upon  the  trap  and  could  just 
get  out  the  words  "pale  his  inefl'ectual  fire."  When  he  had  finished, 
the  trap  ran  down  and  he  disappeared,  to  his  own  consternation  as 
much  as  mine.  Was  called  for  and  got  very  well  through  an  address 
of  about  half-a-dozen  lines.  If  I  do  not  keep  watch  upon  myself  I 
shall  lose  my  art  and  power.  Irving,  Pringle  and  Ogilby  came  into 
my  room  and  seemed  very  sorry  to  part  with  me ;  there  is  quite  an 
excitement  about  the  theatre;  the  house  to-night  overflowed.  This 
has  been  a  great  engagement  under  the  circumstances. 

January  Wth. — Began  the  day  with  packing  my  private  wardrobe. 
"Went  on  board  the  small  boat  that  was  crowded  with  the  players  and 
their  luggage,  even  to  the  gong  and,  I  think,  the  big  drum.  I  was 
interested  by  the  vieAv  of  the  bay  and  the  vessel  alongside  of  us  with 
the  negro  women  grinding  off  the  rice  husks  and  loading  the  hold 
by  means  of  hand-mills.  The  morning  was  thick  as  if  from  heat, 
but  the  water  was  smooth  as  glass,  and  the  passage  out  of  the  harbour 
was  full  of  interest  to  me.  Previous  to  going  on  board  had  received  a 
present  of  six  bottles  of  Madeira  for  my  voyage  from  Mr.  Pringle. 
AVas  amused  on  my  way  to  the  vessel  by  the  observation  of  a  sort  of 
conducteur,  that  I  had  a  "very  clever  house  last  night."  Ryder  told 
me  that  the  excitement  after  the  play  was  something  quite  extra- 
ordinary, the  southern  blood  seemed  to  have  been  excited  to  fever 
pitch ;  it  has  been  an  unusual  enthusiasm.  One  passenger,  a  planter, 
talked  to  me  of  his  views,  his  desire  to  mix  in  political  life,  his  treat- 
ment of  his  negroes,  and  his  account  of  his  resenting  the  contumacy 
of  one  and  afterwards  whipping  him,  giving  him  three  hundred  lashes. 
I  thought  to  myself  I  would  not  have  held  property  on  such  a  tenure. 
I  expressed  to  him,  not  offensively,  my  objection  to  the  system.  He 
explained  to  me  the  partial,  and  of  course  unjust  operation  of  the 
tariff  as  affecting  the  interests  of  North  and  South,  and  the  case  of 
the  Southern  States  is  hard.  It  grew  dark  after  we  passed  the  light- 
houses, and  the  merchant  ships  lying  at  anchor  before  the  river's 
mouth.  There  were  burning  woods  in  different  parts  along  the  banks, 
and  we  went  on  our  dark  way  between  narrow  banks  till  we  reached 
the  window  lights  of  Savannah.  Costas  met  me  on  the  boat;  he 
accompanied  me  to  the  Pulaski  House ;  the  landlord,  Captain  AVilt- 
berger  (I  had  a  true  instinct  at  the  name),  was  standing  at  the  door. 

251 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1844 

I  was  introduced,  of  course  shook  hands,  and  a  stiflnecked  old  piece 
of  fat  importance  I  found  him  ;  he  could  not.  give  me  my  meals  in 
my  room,  then  I  could  not  stay;  then  he  led  to  several  rooms,  all 
indifferent,  and  I  finally  took  a  double-bedded  room. 

Savannah,  January  22nd. — Rested.  Acted  Hamlet  pretty  well ; 
these  are  not  theatres  for  Shakespeare's  plays !  Walked  home  in 
darkness,  not  visible ;  quite  a  journey  of  difficulty  through  deep  sand, 
and  threading  a  way  through  posts,  etc.  Costas  came  and  spoke 
to  me. 

Jannary  23rr/. — Quite  knocked  up  by  the  actorx  in  my  endeavour 
to  play  Macbeth.  Violent  rain  as  the  doorx  iccre  opened.  A  feeling 
of  how  little  of  enjoyment  was  left  to  me  in  life !  I  can  do  nothing 
more  in  my  profession — I  fear  I  can  do  nothing  of  any  moment  for 
my  dear  children.  In  fact,  it  seems  to  me,  upon  real  examination, 
as  if  my  death  would  benefit  them  much  more  than  my  life  can.  I 
am  unhappy — I  see  no  chance  of  happiness  for  me  in  this  world.  The 
causes  may  be  in  myself,  but  I  fear  they  are  beyond  my  power  of 
removal.  God  help  me.  It  is  a  despairing  prayer — but  God  help 
me !  It  is  not  well  or  wise  to  look  with  despondency  or  gloom  upon 
the  future,  but  how  hard  it  is  to  regard  with  complacency  or 
equanimity  a  painful  and  embarrassing  condition,  which  we  are  obliged 
to  ascribe  to  our  own  want  of  conduct !  Had  I  been  reasonably 
economical,  I  might  now  be  in  the  possession  of  a  fortune  that  would 
make  me  indifferent  to  the  accidents  that  now  fret  and  depress  me. 
In  my  present  position  the  sole  object  of  my  labour  and  travel  i$ 
money — money  for  my  children's  education  and  after  maintenance. 
Every  occurrence  that  diminishes  my  receipts  weighs  down  my  heart. 
There  was  a  prospect  of  large  gains  in  this  country  during  my  early 
engagements  here.  The  dissipation  of  my  hopes  in  this  respect  has 
taken  away  much  of  my  mind's  elasticity — which  I  must  try  to  reason 
back  again,  but 

Jannary  ^^th. — My  spirits  were  very  much  depressed.  I  was  not 
quite  well,  and  suffering  from  the  exertion  and  the  temperature  of 
last  night.  Spoke  with  Mr.  Ryder.  The  treasurer  called  and  paid 
me.  The  day  was  wretched ;  a  deluge  was  descending  the  entire 
morning:  densissimus  imher!  I  could  not  go  out;  looked  at  the 
papers,  and  began  a  letter,  which  occupied  me  all  day,  to  my  dear 
Lydia  Bucknill.  Rested  a  short  time.  Acted  Cardinal  Richelieu  very 
fairly. 

January  ^5th. — Packed  up  as  far  as  I  could  for  my  journey  to 
2  C2 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

New  Orleans.  Walked  down  below  the  bluff,  and  saw  the  places  of 
business,  etc. ;  admired  the  novel  appearance  of  the  street  upon  the 
face  of  the  bluff,  planted  as  it  is  with  trees  and  looking  over  an  extent 
of  lowland,  river  and  sea.  Was  accosted  by  a  rough  person,  who 
gave  his  name  Nichols,  whom  I  heard  say — to  the  observation  that 
"Crowds  were  hurrying  down  below  " — "They  need  not  be  in  such  a 
hurry;  the  duel  is  not  to  be  till  twelve."  I  turned  round  and  looked 
with  amazement  in  his  face.  "How  do  you  do,  sir?"  he  answered 
to  my  surprised  and  shocked  gaze.  "  Did  you  say  a  duel  was  to 
be  fought?  "  "Oh  yes;  just  over  the  water,  but  not  before  twelve." 
"And  can  such  a  thing  be  publicly  known,  and  no  attempt  on  the 
part  of  the  legal  authorities  to  interfere?"  "Oh  Lord,  no,  they 
dursn't;  they've  too  many  friends  about  them  for  any  number  of 
officers  that  could  be  got  together  to  have  any  chance  with  them." 
"And  are  the  crowds  going  down  to  see  them  fight?  "  "No;  they 
go  to  wait  for  the  news — it's  across  the  river  they  fight."  "Do  they 
fight  with  pistols?  "  "  I  don't  know  ;  either  pistols  or  rifles — but  they 
generally  fight  with  rifles  in  this  part  of  the  country."  "  Um !  " 
"  They  are  two  gentlemen  of  the  Bar  here.  It  was  a  quarrel  in 
Court :  one  said,  '  the  lie  was  stamped  in  the  other's  face,'  so  there 
was  a  challenge.  I  suppose  you  don't  do  such  a  thing  as  take  a  glass 
of  wine  in  the  morning?"  "Oh  no,  never."  "Ah,  well,  it's  our 
way ;  just  come  in  and  see  the  reading-room  ;  it's  the  best  room  in  all 
the  South;  come,  it's  just  here."  I  complied  with  the  importunity  of 
my  new  acquaintance,  who  informed  me  all  about  himself,  but  my 
stomach  felt  sick  with  horror  at  the  cold-blooded  preparation  for 
murder  with  which  he  acquainted  me. 

Macon,  January  26th. — On  going  into  the  hall  of  the  hotel  about 
five  o'clock  met  a  Bostonian  waiting  for  the  omnibus ;  we  all  went  to 
the  depot,  where,  in  the  open  air,  we  had  to  pay  in  at  a  window,  on  a 
very  dark  cold  morning,  our  fares — my  amount,  $39.  I  got  on  the 
car,  but  stopped  on  entering  to  look  at  a  crowd  of  human  beings, 
mostly  wrapped  in  blankets,  standing  together  near.  A  fellow  on  the 
opposite  box,  for  it  was  of  a  very  inferior  grade  even  to  the  wretched 
cars  provided  for  white  travellers,  called  out,  "Let  the  boys  and 
women  come  first."  They  went  one  by  one — a  long  and  miserable 
train — the  men  entering  last.  These  were  slaves  who  had  been  bought 
on  speculation  and  were  being  conveyed  up  the  coast  to  be  put  up  for 
sale  in  about  a  fortnight.  I  looked  in  occasionally  to  their  box,  and 
there  they  were  in  double  rows ;  food  was  served  out  to  them,  and  I 

^53 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1844 

saw  a  woman  cut  off  a  portion  of  the  meat  given  to  her,  and  witli 
an  expression  of  the  strongest  disgust  throw  it  away.  Mr.  Ryder  asked, 
it  seems,  one  of  the  men  where  he  was  going;  his  answer  was,  "Oh, 
God  knows,  sir !  "  I  cannot  reconcile  this  outrage  on  every  law  of 
right ;  it  is  damnable.  Our  road  lay  through  one  vast  stretch  of 
pine-barren,  greater  or  less,  swamps,  large  pools  of  water  stretching 
to  great  extent  through  the  woods,  beautiful  foliage  often  inter- 
mingling with  the  stems  of  the  tall  pines,  tiiat  presented  every  state 
of  the  tree  from  early  growth  to  decay  and  rottenness — many  half 
burned,  many  taken  by  their  tops  by  whirlwind,  many  felled,  uprooted, 
others  propped  or  falling,  reminding  one  of  a  scene  of  carnage  after 
a  battle.  I  slept  some  part  of  the  way,  but  occupied  myself  chiefly 
with  reading  Brougham's  remarks  on  the  French  Revolution,  etc. 
They  amused  me  very  much ;  and  often  I  concurred  with  him  though 
he  keeps  out  of  sight  or  very  imperfectly  shows  the  great  cause  of 
that  event — viz.  the  necessity  there  was  for  it  in  the  oppression  of  the 
people  and  the  profligacy  of  the  Church  and  aristocracy.  We  did  not 
reach  Macon  till  nearly  ten  o'clock,  when  we  found  a  large  inn,  with 
a  very  respectable  and  civil  landlord,  liut  it  is  curious  what  important 
persons  tliese  landlords  generally  are  :  they  receive  you  much  more 
like  hosts  that  are  going  to  give  you  shelter  and  entertainment  than 
as  innkeepers  who  are  served  and  obliged  by  the  preference  of  your 
custom.  But  this  man  was  an  exception.  I  got  a  bedroom  with  a 
comfortable  bed,  a  chair,  table,  glass,  and  what  made  amends  for 
many  deficiencies,  a  capital  wood  fire.  After  a  sorry  supper  I  was 
very  glad  to  get  early  to  bed. 

January  ^Ith. — Rose  early.     Thompson  brought  me  a  letter  from 

a  Mr.  to  the  stage-coach  agent  at  Griffin,  which  I  felt  as  a  great 

civility  :  it  requested  attention  from  Mr.  Jones,  *'  for  Mr.  Macready 
and  suite,"  which  amused  me  not  a  little.  This  was  a  day  of  western 
travel.  We  were  at  least  an  hour  behind  our  time  of  starting,  and 
the  passengers  actually  crowded  the  carriage ;  the  dirty  and  ragged 
neighbourhood  that  one  is  forced  to  endure  is  very  distasteful,  to  say 
the  least.  It  is  not  to  be  asserted  that  civilization  has  reached  these 
remote  parts  :  it  is  forcing  its  way,  it  is  clearing.  But  ''  the  gentle- 
men " — the  raggedest  ruffian  with  a  white  skin  receiving  that  appella- 
tion— need  its  enforcement  very  much.  The  town  of  Macon  is  a 
straggling,  growing  place,  with  some  very  good  houses  and  an  imposing 
building,  that  of  the  bank.  The  country,  too,  which  is  now  hill  and 
dale,  is  greatly  improved,  widely  cultivated,  growing  cotton  and  corn. 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

and  often  presenting  very  agreeable  landscapes.  The  effect  of  the 
frost,  for  we  have  had  much  ice  yesterday  and  to-day,  on  the  porous 
sands  and  sandstone,  was  often  very  beautiful  in  its  glassy  feathery 
appearance.  Our  journey  was  most  disastrous ;  up  to  one  o'clock  we 
had  progressed  at  the  rate  of  four  miles  an  hour;  at  one  of  our 
stoppages  all  hands  turned  out  and  pushed  our  car  and  engine.  Our 
dinner,  with  coffee  served  by  the  lady  of  the  house  at  the  head  of  the 
table,  was  much  the  same  as  yesterday,  Mr.  Ryder  observing  to  me, 
"If  Mrs.  Macready  could  see  you,  sir."  After  dinner  the  stoppages 
became  so  frequent,  and  I  so  chilled,  that  I  asked  to  walk,  and  walked 
with  Ryder  and  another  about  three  miles.  They  stopped,  as  there 
was  no  supply,  to  chop  the  wood  by  the  roadside  to  keep  the  fire  of 
tiie  engine  alight !  The  man  at  last  said  that  the  engine  would  not 
make  steam,  and  I  was  in  despair  of  reaching  Griffin  to-night.  At 
last,  however,  the  many  choppings  brought  us  to  a  station  where  we 
got  wood  and  water,  and  proceeded  tolerably  well,  reaching  Griffin 
about  half-past  eight,  instead  of  eleven  this  morning.  My  amusement 
through  the  day  has  been  Brougham's  book.  Arrived  at  Griffin,  I 
asked  for  a  bedroom,  and  I  am  now  in  it,  with  a  wood  fire  before 
me  that  just  reaches  one  strip  of  me,  whilst  all  the  rest  of  my  body 
is  sore  with  cold.  The  room,  as  the  house  is,  is  of  new  wood,  the 
chimney  brick,  not  even  plastered,  no  carpet,  no  lock  to  the  doors, 
one  nailed  up  for  the  occasion,  the  other  buttoned.  One  table,  one 
chair,  the  wind  blowing  in  all  directions  into  the  place.  My  supper, 
temperance  supper,  I  could  not  eat ;  I  could  not  cut  the  meat,  and 
ate  three  eggs.  In  short,  it  is  as  uncomfortable  as  it  well  can  be ; 
but  I  must  be  thankful  that  I  am  not  out  all  night,  and  so,  blessing 
God  for  His  mercies  and  invoking  His  blessing  on  my  beloved  wife 
and  children,  I  go  to  my  uncomfortable-looking  bed. 

Griffin,  January  28t/i. — Kindled  my  fire,  and  made  as  comfortable 
a  toilet  as  I  could  in  this  shivering  room.  Its  walls  are  single  boards, 
and  through  the  chinks  of  their  joinings  and  occasional  splinters  the 
keen  frosty  air  whistles  in  ;  the  skirting  is  completed,  except  that  at 
the  doors  (there  are  three)  are  unfilled  apertures,  which  give  me  views 
into  two  rooms  below.  The  door  is  fastened  by  a  button  inside,  and 
another  opening  to  a  bedroom  for  four  or  eight  people,  as  it  may 
happen,  has  been  nailed  up  on  my  account,  being  buttonless.  The 
unplastered  brick  chimney  holds  a  good  wood  fire,  that  carries  heat 
to  one  side  of  me,  the  other  freezing  with  cold,  and  my  writing-hand 
is  nearly  disabled  with  sensations  of  numbness.    There  have  been  knots 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1844 

in  the  deal  walls  whose  vacancies  now  admit  the  draft.  Every  word 
of  all  my  neighbours  is  distinctly  heard,  and  there  is  a  large  family  in 
the  room  below  :  one  chair,  one  little  table,  a  broken  jug  and  small 
basin,  no  looking-glass,  an  old  broken  sash-window,  a  trunk  of  the 
resident  lodger  and  a  few  of  his  books  and  instruments — he  is  a  civil 
engineer — are  scattered  about  this  domestic  desolation.  The  room, 
not  being  ceilinged,  is  open  at  the  top  between  the  beams.  I  look  out 
on  a  rough  sort  of  flat,  scattered  over  which  one  might  count,  perhaps, 
sixty  or  seventy  houses ;  stumps,  of  course,  everywhere  except  on  the 
railway  that  terminates  opposite.  At  a  little  distance  I  read  on  a  small 
one-storey  house,  "  Broadway  Exchange."  Bags  of  cotton  lie  profusely 
scattered  about  the  railway.  A  picture  of  one  among  many  of  these 
germs,  populous  towns  pushed  by  these  pushing  people  into  existence 
and  name.  Around  is  the  everlasting  wood.  Some  signs  are  on  cloth, 
instead  of  board.  Trees  and  stumps  alternating  through  the  city,  and 
cotton,  cotton  everywhere.  After  my  attempt  to  make  a  breakfast 
I  sought  out  the  persons  who  were  to  expedite  us ;  we  were  thrown  on 
a  chance  for  places,  but  one  great  difficulty  was  the  luggage,  which, 
after  much  talking  with  several  persons,  I  at  last  got  an  agreement 
for,  to  be  conveyed  by  two-horse  waggons  to  Checaw  in  four  days, 
for  the  sura  of  $50,  an  extortion.  That  arranged,  a  person  whom  I 
did  not  know  took  hold  of  my  arm,  and  in  a  very  familiar  way  told 

me  ex-Governor was  in  the  place,  and  would  be  happy  to  see  me, 

if  I  would  call.  I  was  taken  by  this  youth  to  the  opposition  hotel,  and 
therein,  a  little  better  but  very  similar  lodging,  I  was  presented  to 
his  Excellency  and  lady,  rather  a  smart  woman.  He  had  two  visitors 
with  him  of  the  lowest,  poorest,  and  most  unpolished  of  the  American 
small  farmers  or  yeomen.     I  thought  he  seemed  to  wish  his  constituent 

visitors  far  enough.     I  sat  a  reasonable  time  listening  to  Mrs.  

expatiating  on  the  comforts  of  slavery,  and  with  many  courteous 
expressions  from  the  ex-Governor,  left  them  to  find  the  stage-coach 
at  the  door  and  all  in  hurry  for  my  departure.  Paid  bills,  gave 
luggage  in  charge  of  Thompson,  and  deposited  myself  in  the  stage.  I 
think  the  roads  here  are  unmatched.  Tlie  country  was  wood,  beautiful 
in  its  various  fields  of  cotton  and  corn,  stalks  continually  appearing 
in  the  newly  cleared  woods  as  we  jolted,  crawled,  pitched,  tossed, 
and  tumbled  along  the  horrible  road.  We  were  constantly  under  the 
necessity  of  walking,  which  1  enjoyed  for  the  exercise  and  scenery. 
Fielding's  pleasant  Joseph  Aridrews  was  my  inside  companion,  and 
the  trees,  the  streams,  the  sky,  the  log-huts,  and  the  ruminations  on 
256 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

their  free  tenants  with  their  slaves,  sufficiently  engaged  me  in  my 
rambling. 

Greenville,  January  29t?i. — Dressed  with  difficulty  from  the 
extreme  cold,  which  prevented  me  from  sleeping,  whilst  the  injunctions 
of  the  landlord  not  to  disturb  his  ladies  in  the  next  room  prevented 
me  from  rising  long  before.  We  continued  our  tossing,  tumbling 
journey  through  wood  and  clearings  alternately,  through  streams  and 
bogs,  that  made  one  wonder,  not  without  something  akin  to  despond- 
ency, how  we  were  to  reach  our  journey's  end.  Mr.  Ryder  was 
impatient  of  every  jolt  of  the  carriage,  whilst  I  lay  in  my  corner  like 
a  bag  of  cotton,  and,  letting  it  toss  me  as  it  would,  escaped  much 
soreness  and  fatigue.  We  reached  La  Grange  in  tolerable  time.  In 
this  great  infant  country  it  is  called  a  county  town,  but  would  be  a 
goodly  sized  and  pretty  village  in  England.  There  were  many  houses 
built  with  their  columns  and  porticoes,  looking  very  neat  and  comfort- 
able and  pretty  with  their  trim  gardens  in  which  flowers  were  blooming 
and  the  green  leaf  always  visible,  commanding  views  of  a  very 
picturesque  country.  It  was  on  this  route  from  hence  to  West  Point 
that  the  driver,  to  avoid  a  piece  of  heavy,  bad  road,  drove  into  a 
field  through  the  broken  fence,  and  passing  through  it  came  out  by 
some  means  at  the  other  end.  This  is  nothing  in  this  primeval  part. 
The  peach  orchards  here  are  very  large  and  thriving ;  they  have  peach, 
quince,  plum,  grape,  etc.  At  W^est  Point,  where  we  tried  to  dine, 
and  beyond  which  we  passed  into  Alabama,  we  got  some  hard  eggs 
and  ham  for  dinner.  We  see  la  fin  du  commencement :  this  infant 
settlement,  wasting  through  disease,  crime,  and  squalor  into  rapid 
decay ;  more  than  half  the  stores  are  closed,  and  the  place  itself  looks 
like  infant  life  dying  of  age's  decrepitude.  The  beautiful  river 
Chatteroockee — beautiful  in  American  eyes  for  its  water-power — 
divides  it,  and  a  covered  bridge  communicates  between  the  banks.  It 
appears  that  it  was  in  a  thriving  state  when  the  Indians  came  here  to 
receive  their  presents,  and  the  inhabitants  enriched  themselves  by 
selling  liquors  to  these  unhappy  creatures ;  its  present  appearance  is  a 
just  retribution  ;  it  will  soon  sink  to  a  few  rotting  sheds. 

Caseta,  January  QOth. — I  am  forcibly  struck  with  the  effect  that 
kindness  of  manner  and  encouragement  has  upon  these  poor  negroes ; 
it  charms  away  their  sullenness  at  once.  Our  old  landlady  quite 
answered  W.  Scott's  description  of  a  "kind  old  body."  She  was  a 
pleasant  old  housewifely  lady,  with  her  preserved  water-melons,  peaches, 
etc.,  and  her  genuine  hospitable  spirit.  Our  road  to-day  was  worse 
VOL.  n,  s  257 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1844 

than  ever  :  through  swamps,  through  wide  streams ;  tracking  our  way 
through  woods  by  the  blazing  of  the  trees,  through  actual  rivers,  and 
all  this  after  an  overturn,  which  detained  us  in  the  middle  of  the  road 
under  a  heavy  rain  for  above  an  hour.  When  thrown  over,  all  were 
in  confusion  and  alarm,  struggling  to  get  out.  I  called  to  them  to 
be  still  and  quietly  take  their  turns.  It  was  certainly  a  very  bad 
journey :  by  cotton,  cornfields,  cane-brakes,  woods  of  oak,  chestnut, 
hickory,  beech,  and  pine.  We  passed  by  one  bridge  over  a  stream 
of  surpassing  beauty,  divided  and  narrowed  into  a  deep  downward  gush 
by  a  mass  of  granite ;  it  continued  its  course  between  banks  as  charm- 
ingly diversified  by  rock  and  foliage  as  a  painter's  imagination  could 
suggest.  The  ruined  or  deserted  railway  still  accompanied  our  course. 
Joseph  Andrews  was  my  companion  till  dark.  Scarcely  hoping  to 
finish  our  journey,  for  our  own  management  of  our  weight  by  ballast- 
ing the  coach  preserved  us  repeatedly  from  an  overturn,  we  at  length 
reached  Checaw.  A  man  with  a  wretched  slave,  whom  he  sent  upon 
the  top  of  the  coach,  had  been  our  companion  from  I^a  Grange.  This 
poor  negro  told  Mr.  Ryder  that  he  had  lived  with  his  master's  father, 
and  that  now  he,  the  master,  had  sold  his  wife  and  children  in  Georgia, 
and  was  taking  him  on  to  sell  him  in  Montgomery,  the  poor  wretch 
crying  like  a  child  as  he  told  his  story. 

Checaiv,  January  31st. — Rose  long  before  daylight  to  pursue  our 
journey  by  railway  to  Montgomery.  Saw  our  landlord's  wife,  a  girl 
of  fourteen,  who  had  run  away  with  him.  Left  Checaw  at  five ;  swamp, 
cane-brake,  wood,  our  road  lay  along  and  through  the  high  bluff  that 
overlooks  the  Tollapoosie  river,  which  made  some  fine  landscapes.  We 
had  a  seven-foot  colonel  in  a  blanket  coat,  a  major  in  a  ragged  one, 
and  a  judge  in  one  of  frieze.  In  cutting  wood  for  the  engine,  some 
one  said,  "Come,  Judge,  take  a  spell  of  chopping,"  which  he  very 
readily  did.  The  ragged  crew  that  filled  this  car,  spitting  in  every 
part  of  it,  obliged  me  to  change  my  seat.  I  was  very  much  disgusted ; 
I  wish  the  people  would  be  more  cleanly,  self-respecting,  and  decent 
in  their  general  habits.  Reaching  Montgomery,  which  we  did  from 
the  railway  by  a  road  through  wood  and  swamp  enough  to  engulf 
a  cara%an  or  frighten  one,  we  saw  some  persons  just  starting  for 
Mobile ;  they  had  met  and  travelled  with  us  before ;  they  advised  our 
proceeding,  and  we,  taking  their  counsel,  went  on  to  the  boat,  the 
Charlottey  in  which  we  took  our  berths,  and  steamed  away  down  the 
Alabama,  that  like  a  "proud  river,  overpeered  its  banks,"  towards 
Mobile.     I   received  much  civility  from  the  gentlemen  who  went  on 

253 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

board  with  me,  they  using  their  best  efforts  to  procure  me  a  good 
berth.  I  took  a  state-room  to  myself,  and  did  not  regret  it.  Our 
passage  down  the  stream,  whose  windings  extended  the  distance  to 
408  miles,  the  stage-coach  road  being  180,  continually  excited  my 
attention.  Here  was  enough  to  satisfy  the  traveller,  whose  thirst 
for  change  is  to  find  something  new,  that  he  had  left  nothing  behind 
in  Europe  resembling  this.  Its  banks  were  ever  changing  their  forms  : 
now  bold  bluffs,  with  trees  rising  perpendicularly  from  their  very 
edges ;  then  long  tracts  of  w^ood  running  in  levels  beyond  the  eye's  ken 
or  the  thought's  conjecture;  then  vast  expanses  of  water  from  which 
were  seen  rising  up  tall  blighted  trees,  log-huts,  fodder-stacks,  gates, 
and  lines  of  cottages.  Frequently  we  saw  whole  fields  of  cotton 
submerged  by  the  flood,  and  whole  clearings  showing  only  their  mills 
and  gins  and  fences,  etc.,  above  the  wide  surface  of  the  waters.  The 
trees,  some  of  them  covered  and  seemingly  pressed  down  by  the 
heavy-looking  mournful  draperies  of  moss,  that  lent  a  character,  I 
might  say  an  expression,  to  the  tree  that  strikes  the  observer ;  the 
wliite  and  leafless  sycamores  often  stood  out  in  advance  of  the  sad 
and  gloomy  forest  like  ghosts  of  what  they  had  been,  stretching  their 
ominous  arms  or  long  white  fingery  boughs  above  the  wide  ruin.  The 
grape-vine  was  hanging  its  thready  and  twining  branches  like  strong 
network  about  some  of  the  failing  trees,  like  voluptuousness  and  luxury 
pulling  down  strength.  Long  tracts  of  cane-brake  below,  houses  on 
the  heights,  creeks,  inlets,  and  widely  devastating  wastes  of  the  waters 
were  in  frequent  succession  through  our  whole  course.  Bulwer's  novel 
of  the  Last  of  the  Barons  divided,  and  only  divided,  my  attention  with 
this  wild  and  grand  and  beautiful  scenery  of  the  Alabama.  Amid 
thoughts  of  where  I  am,  how  far  from  home,  and  what  they  are 
thinking  of,  there  came  the  news  from  England  to  crowd  and  to 
confuse  my  mind.     Lord  Lynedoch  ^  and  Catalani  dead.     Alas ! 

Alabama  River,  February  1st. — My  employment  to-day  was  to 
read  Bulwer's  novel,  and  to  catch  glimpses  and  views  of  the  river  and 
its  banks.  The  live  oak  and  the  magnolia  are  among  the  richest  of 
the  evergreens  that  give  rich  and  deep  colours  to  the  woods,  and  the 
palmetto,  in  its  low  shrubby  state,  is  still  graceful  in  its  form  and 
cool  and  pleasant  in  its  colour.  At  a  very  beautiful  indenting  of  the 
high  bank,  well  wooded  to  tlie  top,  our  crew  and  company  got  upon 
some  bales  of  cotton  and  paddled  them  with   sticks  down  the  little 

^  Thomas  Graham,  Lord  Lynedoch  (1748-1843),  the  distinguished  general;  he  began 
his  military  career  as  a  volunteer  when  nearly  fifty  years  of  age. 

S2  259 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1844 

inlet  to  tlie  boat.  One,  o£  course,  rolled  over,  to  the  hearty  enjoy- 
ment of  all  who  witnessed  him.  At  another  landing  a  person  of 
ordinary  appearance,  more  inclining  to  the  vulgar  in  manner  than  even 
the  respectable,  came  with  his  family  and  slaves  on  board.  His 
manner  of  speaking  to  them  made  me  long  to  give  him  a  tip  with  my 
foot  and  send  the  ignorant  tyrant  and  oppressor  overboard.  Went 
late  to  bed ;  lay  down  as  the  engine  stopped ;  was  told  on  my  inquiry, 
about  one  o'clock,  that  we  had  arrived.  At  the  dinner  the  very  raffish 
or  ragged  appearance  of  many,  and  the  table  equipage,  made  me  long 
to  have  one  of  our  exquisites  placed  hungrily  amongst  them.  But  as 
Charles  XII  replied  to  the  soldier,  touching  his  bad  bread:  "It  is 
not  very  good,  but  it  is  eatable."  The  tin  bowl  to  wash  in  in  my 
state-room  was  a  peculiar  privilege  and  very  jealously  permitted  for  a 
very  short  time ;  of  course,  a  common  comb  and  hair-brush  in  the 
saloon,  which  all  used.  One  person  was  distressed  on  missing  it,  and 
asked  if  there  was  not  a  hair-brush,  adding  :  "  Can't  you  come  across 
that  brush?"  All  this,  and  with  all,  and  above  all,  the  beastly 
spitting,  is  very  annoying,  and  disturbs  very  much  one's  taste  and 
one's  stomach.  They  are  men  here,  and  feel  as  men ;  to  polish  the 
exterior  would  not  rub  away  any  of  their  better  qualities,  and  would 
make  them  much  more  pleasant  to  come  in  contact  with. 

Mobile,  February  ^nd. — Rose  very  early  and  went  on  board  the 
New  Orleans  boat,  James  L.  Day,  to  secure  my  berth.  Packed  up, 
and  walked  away  after  breakfast  to  change  my  day's  abode.  Went  on 
to  the  Exchange ;  a  sale  of  men  and  women.  It  is  not  to  be  talked 
or  thought  of  :  I  have  blamed  the  Abolitionists,  and  do  blame  them, 
for  the  effects  their  indiscreet  zeal  produces,  but  I  should  neither 
wonder  nor  blame  if  I  saw  these  black  and  dusky  men  strike  their 
knives  into  the  brutal  bosoms  of  those  who  assert  the  right  of  might 
over  them.  A  Mr.  Cole,  an  acquaintance  of  Ryder's,  told  him  they 
'"had  no  feeling;  they  did  not  mind  being  parted  from  wife  and 
children  ;  they  forgot  it  in  a  week.  You  see  a  cat  Avhen  one  drowns 
iier  kittens,  she  soon  forgets  it — it's  just  the  same  with  the  coloured 
people."  Is  it — oh  God! — the  same?  But  time  will  tell.  One  man, 
about  forty,  a  blacksmith,  had  his  merits  expatiated  on  in  the  true 
George  Robins's  style:  "This  hale  man  going  for  $550,  it's  throwing 
him  away — no  more  bid?  It's  a  sacrifice!  Going,  going,  etc." 
Another  mulatto,  a  field  servant — the  same  language,  the  same  odious 
blasphemy  against  nature  and  the  God  of  nature.  Read  in  steamboat 
extracts  from  Jeremy  Taylor,  Bishop  Hall,  etc.  It  is  scarcely  possible 
260 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

to  imagine  any  boat  of  the  kind  more  complete  than  this — cleanliness, 
neatness,  elegance  throughout ;  the  dinner  served  in  the  best  manner. 

Nexo  Orleans,  February  Srd. — Rose  from  my  hard  and  ache-giving 
berth  above  half-past  four  o'clock  ;  dressed  and  sauntered  up  and  down 
the  wooden  pier  thinking  of  home  and  the  great  distance  I  was  from 
it,  and  all  it  contains.  Passed  into  the  sort  of  village,  half  French, 
half  English,  in  its  shops'  inscriptions,  and  w^as  interested  and  struck 
by  the  resemblance  it  conveyed,  in  the  architecture  of  its  small  houses 
and  gateway  or  arch,  to  an  old  French  village  or  small  town.  I  went 
to  the  St.  Louis  Hotel  and  got  one  room,  a  very  poor  affair,  till  others 
should  fall.  Went  to  rehearsal  at  eleven  ;  did  not  like  either  theatre 
or  actors.     Rehearsed  Hamlet. 

February  1th. — Was  early  up  and  looked  again  over  Hamlet  before 
going  to  rehearsal,  feeling  that  very  much  depends,  as  far  as  this 
country  is  concerned,  upon  my  success  in  this  city  :  if  the  audience 
are  cold  and  scanty  here,  my  profits  may  be  summed  up  in  the  United 
States.  Went  to  theatre,  and  rehearsed  Hamlet  with  great  care. 
Acted  Hamlet,  if  I  may  trust  my  own  feeling,  in  a  very  Shakspearian 
style ;  most  courteous  and  gentlemanly,  with  high  bearing,  and  yet 
with  abandonment  and,  I  think,  great  energy.  Was  called  for,  a 
compliment  which  I  had  really  rather  dispense  with.  I  fancy  the 
audience  were  borne  along  with  the  performance.  But  the  fatigue, 
*'the  weight  of  my  shield,"  is  felt  most  onerously.     God  help  me. 

February  8th. — Looked  at  a  paper,  which  seemed  to  record  decisive 
success  in  its  report  of  last  night's  performance.  Called  on  Mr. 
Clay;  saw  him,  seventeen  years  older  than  when,  full  of  life  and 
vivacity,  he  introduced  himself  to  me  at  Washington  at  our  Minister's, 
Sir  R.  A.  Vaughan.  He  seems  to  me  to  have  shrunk  in  size,  and  his 
manners,  though  most  kind,  urbane  and  cheerful,  have  no  longer  the 
vivacity  and  great  animal  spirits  that  then  accompanied  them.  He 
remembered  meeting  me ;  he  talked  of  Talma  and  of  his  engagements, 
asked  me  to  dine  with  him  to-morrow,  which  I  was  unable  to  do.  Our 
visit  was  limited  by  an  appointment  visit  of  the  Judges  of  the 
Supreme  Court.  I  gave  him  Miss  Martineau's  letter,  and  we  talked 
of  her.  He  seemed  surprised  not  to  see  me  look  older,  saying  he 
should  not  take  me  for  more  than  forty.  In  him  and  Webster,  two 
great  minds,  I  see  the  pressure  of  the  heavy  hand  of  time ;  to  descend 
to  myself,  I  feel  it.  In  speaking  of  slavery  he  deplored  it  and  con- 
demned it  in  the  abstract,  but  thought  the  two  races  could  not  be 
altered  in  their  respective  positions  without  equal  distress  for  both  ; 

261 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1844 

intimating  that  the  coloured  man  is  happier  in  his  present  state  than 
he  could  be  if  free!     What  would  Alexandre  Dumas  say  to  that? 

Fehruarii  9th. — Was  up  long  before  the  hour  noted  for  the  sun's 
rising,  and  occupied  myself  till  the  time  for  rehearsal  with  writing 
to  dear  Dickens.  Went  to  the  theatre.  Rehearsed  Macbeth;  had 
serious  misgivings  of  the  result.  Rested ;  thought  on  the  play.  Tried 
to  screw  myself  up  to  acting  well.  Acted  Macbeth  very  unequally — 
was  lacerated  by  the  actors  and  ryiise  en  scene;  it  was  too  bad. 

Fehruani  11th. — A  Mr.  Cronin  called — a  professor,  I  believe,  of 
elocution — to  tell  me  that  in  my  scenes  of  passion  he  could  not  hear  a 
single  word,  and  that  he  had  a  very  fine  organ,  requesting  me  to  attend 
more  to  the  improvement  of  the  vocality ;  I  do  not  know  his  object  in 
coming ;  it  was  either  silly,  for  some  knavish  purpose,  or  impertinent ; 
matters  little  which. 

February  IMh. — Saw  a  paper — Tropic — in  which  was  a  reprint  of 
Mr.  N.  P.  AVillis's  letter  asserting  that  the  English  papers  stated  that 
Mr.  Dickens  had  been  in  the  Queen's  Bench  Prison.  Acted  Werner 
very  fairly,  with  the  drawback  of  xvretehed  support.  I  was  most 
anxious  that  the  performance  should  go  off  well,  as  Mr.  Clay  had  come 
on  purpose  to  see  it.  I  therefore  took  especial  pains,  and,  I  think,  was 
very  impressive.  The  audience,  who  were  well  packed,  seemed  much 
excited.  I  was  called  for,  and  obliged  to  go  on.  Thought  about  Mr. 
Willis.  The  danger  of  meddling  with  such  a  reptile  is  that  you  give 
his  name  publicity,  which,  however  unenviable  it  may  be,  is  what  he 
seeks.     I  think  I  shall  not  notice  him. 

February  IHth. — Went  out  in  cab  to  Hewlett's  Hotel  to  look  at 
the  rooms  he  had  prepared  for  me.  Agreed  to  enter  them  on  Tuesday. 
Arranged  my  accounts ;  looked  at  some  papers.  More  news  from  Eng- 
land. Thought  on  the  plays  for  the  remainder  of  my  engagement. 
Robinson  called,  above  two  hours  after  his  appointment  with  Major 
Montfort,  a  good-natured  American  soldier.  We  went  in  his  carriage 
through  the  city,  and  along  the  banks  of  the  canal,  and  through  wood 
and  swamp,  of  cedar,  cypress,  out  to  the  I>ake  Pontchartrain ;  the 
morning  was  very  pleasant,  and  these  melancholy  woods  with  their 
ghostlike  trees,  in  their  mournful  drapery  of  moss  and  vine,  are  always 
interesting  to  me.  Large  lighter  kind  of  sloops  were  coming  up  the 
canal.  A  very  decent  house  of  entertainment  is  on  the  shore  of  the 
lake,  all  ground  recovered  from  the  swamp.  It  amused  me  yesterday 
to  know  that  the  French  call  the  American  portion  of  the  city  "  Le 
Faubourg  Am^ricain."  I  dined  with  Robinson  at  the  table  dlidte  of 
262 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

Hewlett,  who  gave  an  excellent  table  ;  was  much  amused.  After  dinner 
rode  along  the  Levee,  saw  the  shipping  and  warehouses  of  this  wonderful 
place ;  the  waterworks,  with  their  muddy  contents ;  the  steamboats 
coming  in ;  the  Mississippi  winding  round,  and  the  buildings,  wealth 
and  bustle  of  the  place.  The  people  seem  so  happy !  Mr.  Bullett 
amused  me ;  particularly  by  his  intended  mode  of  curing  scarlet-fever. 
Came  home ;  put  by  ray  assorted  papers ;  addressed  newspapers. 
Revised  the  play  of  King  Lear  for  American  performance.  Cut  the 
part  of  Edward  for  Mr.  Ryder. 

February  9.0th. — Went  with  Robinson  and  Andrews  to  call  on  M. 
Pepin,  who  conducted  us  to  the  graveyards.  There  is  nothing  in  their 
site  to  please  the  eye,  nor  is  there  anything  in  their  language  to  interest 
or  excite.  But  he  must  be  very  insensible  who  can  contemplate  any 
depository  of  the  dead  with  indifference,  and  many  and  various  emotions 
are  awakened  here.  There  are  four  or  six  of  those  squares  formed  by 
thick  rampires,  built  of  brick,  in  which  are  rows  of  square  cavities  one 
above  the  other,  like  the  apertures  of  ovens  (which  is  the  term  they  are 
known  by),  and  into  these,  as  in  the  mausoleum  at  Trentham,  the 
coffins  are  pushed  and  then  built  up ;  the  inclosed  spaces  are  covered, 
filled  with  tombs  of  all  pretensions  as  to  cost  and  taste  ;  the  pride  of  the 
Spaniard,  the  sentiment  of  the  French,  and  the  plain  business-like 
English  inscription  are  mingled  through  the  grounds.  One  was  exclu- 
sively for  people  of  colour !  There  w^ere  fresh  flowers  placed  near  some 
and  planted  near  others ;  much  that  was  tender  and  touching  and  chaste 
fronting  or  near  to  vulgar  pride  and  ludicrous  sentimentality.  Tears 
painted  on  the  slabs  of  some,  and  pompous  inscriptions  upon  others ; 
some  simple,  sad,  and  solemn-looking  structures,  others  ostentatiously 
and  even  ludicrously  ambitious.  I  was  interested  and  shall  try  to  renew 
my  visit. 

Fehruary  22nd. — Washington's  birthday.  A  curious  subject  for 
reflection  is  offered  by  this  day  :  in  Europe  there  are  certain  ceremonies 
of  compliment  and  expense,  such  as  dinners,  levees,  drawing-rooms, 
illuminations  of  public  offices,  clubs,  and  specially  appointed  trades- 
men's shops,  which  are  called  rejoicings  (?)  and  are  transmitted  faith- 
fully from  one  gracious  and  beloved  sovereign  to  another.  But 
throughout  these  free  and  independent  States  the  memory  of  the  man 
who  was  born  this  day  shall  be  hallowed  by  the  gratitude  and  joy  of 
millions  of  hearts  that  will  hand  down  to  their  children's  children  the 
debt  of  reverence  and  love  which  they  and  mankind  owe  to  him  for  the 
benefits  his  life  conferred  and  his  example  has  left.     The  birthday  of 

263 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1844 

Washington  shall  be  an  eternal  festival  wherever  a  freeman  speaks  the 
English  tongue. 

February  28th. — Occupied  with  affairs  upon  my  late  and  wearied 
rising.  This  daily  rehearsal,  and  earnest  acting  at  night  (for  I  cannot 
— there  is  no  merit — I  cannot  be  a  party,  a  willing  party,  to  a  dis- 
graceful performance),  seem,  under  the  effect  of  this  warm  climate, 
this  summer  in  February,  to  exhaust  my  strength  and  spirits.  Whether 
it  is  the  coming  on  of  age  or  the  quantity  of  strength  and  energy  I 
expend  in  my  rehearsals  and  performances,  I  know  not,  but  they  are 
more  than  I  can  well  discharge ;  certain  it  is,  that  I  can  do  nothing 
else.  I  can  see  nothing,  see  no  one.  I  might  as  well  be  incarcerated 
in  Drury  Lane  or  Covent  Garden,  and  where  there  is  so  much  that  I 
am  anxious  to  observe,  this  is  fretting  and  vexatious.     Acted  Hamlet. 

February  29th. — The  joy,  the  comfort  I  have  felt  this  day  in  the 
ability  to  repeat  to  myself  that  it  is  the  last  day  but  one  of  my  New 
Orleans  engagement  is  not  to  be  described  nor  to  be  explained,  except 
that  the  labour  is  so  heavy  and  the  conclusion  of  it  brings  me  nearer 
home.  Rehearsed  lago.  Saw  Forrest,  who  came  on  the  stage.  Acted 
lago  well. 

March  1st. — Last  day  of  my  engagement  here !  The  thought 
brings  new  animation  to  my  spirits  and  comparative  quiet  to  my 
nerves.  My  labour  is  incessant,  monotonous,  and  with  nothing  in  the 
character  of  my  criticism  to  stimulate  me ;  the  money  and  the  thought 
of  home  are  the  comforting  reflections.  The  night  has  been  rainy, 
and  the  morning  is  wet,  but  it  is  warm  moisture,  thick  and  steamy. 
My  system  is  quite  relaxed  and  oppressed ;  a  sensation  of  general 
debility  is  most  distressingly  upon  me.  My  clothes  feel  damp  upon 
me  and  clinging  to  me  as  I  change  each  posture.  I  am  quite  unequal 
to  my  work.  Looked  at  the  papers — the  daily  trash  that  is  offered 
up.  Pah  !  Rehearsed  King  Lear,  with  a  perfect  consciousness  of  my 
utter  inability  to  do  justice  to  my  own  conception  of  the  character. 
I  am  weary  of  this  atmosphere  and  this  place.  Dined  early.  Rested, 
and  thought  over  my  great  part  of  King  Lear,  feeling  that  I  could 
not  satisfy  myself  in  it,  but  wishing  to  do  my  utmost.  A  note  from 
some  curiosa — wishing  to  see  me,  but  whom  I  could  not  answer — 
signing  herself  Augusta.  Went  to  the  theatre,  very  weak.  The  house 
not  what  it  ought  to  have  been,  certainly  not.  I  rallied  against  my 
lassitude,  and  made  a  very  fair  fight  for  poor  Lear ;  parts  of  it  I  acted 
very  fairly,  and  I  think  made  a  strong  impression  on  the  audience. 
Some  parts  I  did  really  well.  W^as  called  for;  an  apology  was  made 
264 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

by  Smith  for  my  change  of  dress,  which  the  audience  were  not  very 
patient  under,  and  in  a  very  short  time  I  appeared  before  them  and 
addressed  them. 

March  2nd. — Gave  my  first  hours  to  the  needful  business  of  packing, 
which  I  completed  in  very  good  time.  Met  Mr.  Ryder  at  the  railway. 
Slept  the  greater  part  of  the  way  to  the  lake,  "  quite  wearied  aoid 
o'erspent."  We  found  a  good  deal  of  motion  on  the  lake;  the  boats 
lay  within  the  little  harbour  formed  by  wooden  piers  stretching  out 
into  the  lake  and  leaving  only  a  narrow  entrance  by  which  to  pass  in 
and  out.  The  land,  as  we  enter  the  narrow  channel  between  the 
Lakes,  is  very  low,  marshy,  duck,  snipe-like  looking  ground ;  a  neat 
little  fort,  with  an  artillery  company,  commands  the  passage. 

Mobile,  March  3rd. — Fifty-one  years  old.  We  were  within  the 
bay  of  Mobile  and  pressing  over  its  smooth  waters,  strewn  over  with 
the  stripped  and  shattered  trees  borne  down  by  the  freshet  of  the 
Alabama,  and  landed.  I  went  with  a  porter  as  a  guide  about  the 
town,  and  was  forced  to  ask  as  a  favour  a  bedroom  at  the  top  of  the 
house,  and  glad  to  house  myself  here  to  wash  and  dress. 

March  Mh. — Acted  Hamlet.  I  thought  I  never  acted  the  first 
scene  with  the  Ghost  so  well ;  the  audience  this  night  was  very  numerous. 
Persons  going  away  in  some  of  the  steamboats  had  prevailed  on  the 
masters  to  delay  their  start  till  midnight  in  order  to  visit  the  theatre. 
Many  rowdy  people  were  there,  women  of  the  town — in  short,  it  was 
an  audience  attracted  by  sheer  curiosity.  Perhaps  I  was  not  up  to  my 
mark,  although  I  strove  very  resolutely. 

March  9th. — Anze  proposed  to  take  me  a  drive  in  the  environs 
of  the  city.  Called  on  Magee,  whom  I  saw.  Found  Anz^  at  the  door 
of  my  hotel — accompanied  him  in  his  buggy  through  the  city,  along  the 
direction  of  the  shore  of  the  bay  by  pretty  suburban  houses,  into  woods 
in  all  the  wild  and  picturesque  confusion  of  self -creation  and  renewal. 
The  boxes,  as  they  are  called,  of  the  dwellers  near  the  city  are  very 
neat,  and  the  hedge  of  the  Cherokee  rose — like  our  common  wild  white 
rose — most  luxuriantly  in  bloom  over  a  fence  of  neat  lattice  work, 
presented  a  very  neat  out-work  to  a  very  neat  residence.  The  woods 
and  the  views  of  the  bay  were  most  beautiful — the  magnolia.  Dined 
with  Mr.  Gracie — liked  his  wife — met  Dr.  Nott,  Fisher,  Ball,  Castellan, 
Anze,  Ogden,  etc.  A  very  agreeable  day.  My  drive  to-day  among 
some  very  pretty  suburban  villas  with  their  many  flowers  and  richly 
blossoming  peach-trees,  oranges  in  blossom,  fig,  and  various  ornamental 
shrubs  was  very  lovely.     The  air  was  quite  delicious ;   we  came  fre- 

265 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1844 

quently  close  to  the  water's  side,  looking  from  a  low  cliff  over  this 
extensive  bay,  with  its  shoals,  its  masses  of  rude  timber,  its  distant 
shores,  and  passing  through  clearings  and  wood  of  lofty  pines  till  we 
reached  the  Magnolia  Grove — so  called  from  the  trees  which  chiefly 
form  its  shade.  The  shrubs  were  very  beautiful,  and  flowers.  I 
gathered  some  violets  for  Catherine — not  quite  so  deeply  blue  as  our 
own  sweet  flower,  and  with  no  perfume. 

March  l^th. — Dickens's  misjudgment  is  as  clear  to  me  as  the  noon- 
day sun,  and  much  is  to  be  said  in  explanation  and  excuse,  but  Dickens 
is  a  man  who  fills  such  a  place  in  the  world's  opinion,  the  people  cannot 
think  that  he  ought  to  need  an  excuse — alas !  the  greatest  man  is  but 
a  man  ! 

March  13th.- — I  am  quite  debilitated  by  my  labour.  The  audience 
do  not  help  me  at  all  by  their  applause  or  manifestation  of  sympathy, 
and  the  profit  is  not  great  enough  to  sustain  my  spirits  against  the 
drag  which  is  upon  them.  Looked  at  papers,  which  seem  to  have 
adopted  a  studied  silence — eh  bicn  !  Acted  Othello — if  I  may  compare 
myself  with  myself,  or  trust  to  the  reality  and  grandeur  of  my  own 
feelings — splendidly  for  the  three  first  acts.  The  apathy  and  vulgar 
applause  of  the  audience — bestowed,  may  I  not  say,  on  every  one  except 
myself — made  the  two  last  very  laborious  to  me,  and  perhaps,  therefore, 
not  so  grand  and  flowing  in  their  effect;  but  not  bad. 

March  15th. — Read  a  very  absurd  memoir  of  that  wretch — that 
blackguard — Dr.  Maginn.^  I  know  of  the  man,  that  upon  Lloyd  & 
Hedges  sending  him  an  account  and  requiring  payment  for  wine 
obtained,  he  told  them  he  would  shoio  them  up  in  the  Standard  !  This 
is  fact ;  but  he  was  the  friend  of  Mr.  Oastler — jam  satis. 

March  16th. — Started  with  a  fresh  breeze  against  us  for  New 
Orleans ;  liked  everything  in  Mobile  except  the  hotel  and  theatre ;  glad 
to  go  forward  as  beginning  my  return  to  dear,  dear  home.  Walked 
the  upper  deck  till  wearied,  looking  at  the  woods  or  the  shores,  the 
drifting  timber  scattered  over  the  bay,  the  fleet  of  merchantmen  riding 
in  the  outer  bay,  the  islands,  and  the  gorgeous  sunset. 

March  Idth. — Acted  The  Stranger.  Leaving  the  theatre,  was 
attracted  by  the  blaze  of  a  very  great  fire  in  Royal  Street.  I  had 
heard  the  tocsin  during  the  last  scene  of  the  play.  Went  to  it  and 
watched  the  terrific  and  sublime  spectacle  for  upwards  of  an  hour ;  the 
flames  rose  in  upward  torrents  of  fire,  and  at  times  there  was  an  atmo- 

•  William    Maginn    (l  793-1 842),    the    well-known    author,    and    founder   of    Fraser's 
Magazine :  he  was  at  one  time  joint-editor  of  the  Standard. 
266 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

sphere  of  sparks.  I  saw  two  houses  fall  in  with  tremendous  crashes, 
and  came  away  as  the  fire  seemed  to  yield  to  the  efforts  of  the  firemen. 

March  21st. — Two  days'  news  from  England  :  Marshal  Bertrand, 
whom  I  met,  as  it  were  the  other  day,  at  Grattan's  in  Boston,  dead  ! 
Duchesse  de  Berri,  the  profligate,  silly  voluptuary,  dead !  It  is  only 
to  wait  our  turn,  using  the  time  permitted  to  us  to  the  best  advantage. 
What  a  mere  pageant  is  life  altogether.  Rested  and  read  Shylock. 
Acted  Shylock  very  fairly.  At  supper  took  a  gin  mint-julep  by  way 
of  experiment :  the  most  deliciously  cunning  compound  that  ever  I 
tasted ;  nectar  could  not  stand  before  it ;  Jupiter  would  have  hob- 
nobbed in  it. 

March  ^8th. — Called  on  Mr.  R .  To  my  surprise  and  amuse- 
ment found  that  his  wife,  of  whom  he  had  taken  leave  on  board  ship 
last  night  embarked  for  France,  was  at  home ;  had  returned ;  could 
not  bear  to  leave  her  friends ;  lost  heart  at  the  last  minute.  I  think 
I  should  scarcely  have  welcomed  back  any  woman  who  had  cost  me 
all  the  pain  to  part  with  her  and  then  returned — so  much  good  grief 
all  thrown  away ! 

April  2nd. — In  the  evening,  two  brightly  reflected  lights  stretching 
far  on  the  horizon,  with  smoke  before  them,  were  pointed  out  to  us 
as  the  prairies  on  fire.  The  foliage  yesterday  and  to-day  had  been 
beautifully  enriched  by  the  red  or  dark  pink  blossom,  covering  the 
tree  like  the  peach,  of  the  Arbor- Judas  or  red-bud ;  these,  often  side 
by  side  with  the  snowy  blossom  that  powdered  the  dog-wood  tree, 
diversified  by  colour  and  form  the  lofty  and  leafless  cotton-wood.  The 
voyage  of  the  Mississippi  most  beautiful. 

St.  Louis,  April  6th. — Rose  in  good  time.  Mr.  Franciscus  and 
the  carriage  were  ready,  and  we  started  for  the  Ferry ;  drove  into  the 
boat,  crossed  the  Mississippi,  and  drove  out  upon  the  other  floating 
pier  without  alighting.  Our  road  lay  through  Illinois  Town,  a  small 
place  through  which  a  little  creek,  crossed  by  a  good  wooden  bridge, 
runs ;  we  went  over  it  and  along  the  high  causeway  built  for  winter  or 
wet  travel,  when  the  soil  of  the  country  admits  your  carriage  to  the 
nave  of  the  wheel  or  deeper.  Our  road  lay  along  a  country  that  was 
fatness  itself,  the  ground  oozing  out  richness,  black  loam  that  might 
be  scratched  to  give  a  crop  ;  we  passed  several  of  those  Indian  mounds 
and  reached  some  lakes,  where  to  my  great  delight  I  saw  the  habitations 
of  the  beaver,  at  distances  from  each  other  in  the  middle  of  the  water. 
Our  way  for  many  miles  was  tame,  till  we  reached  some  much  larger 
mounds,  and  standing  in  great  numbers  on  the  plain.     I  cannot  guess 

267 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1844 

if  they  were  forts  or  tombs,  one  seems  for  one  purpose,  another  for  the 
other.  We  passed  through  some  low  woods  before,  and  now  we  reached 
some  high  and  well-wooded  hills,  where  woodpeckers,  the  beautiful 
turtle-dove,  the  blue  bird,  and  others  were  numerous  on  the  wing.  We 
met  numerous  families,  with  their  wagons  and  oxen  carrying  their  sub- 
stance to  some  other  State.  I  cannot  understand  this.  We  passed 
through  Collinsville,  where  there  are  three  churches,  built  by  an  old 
lady,  to  whom  the  place  belongs,  and  who  will  not  allow  any  one  to 
live  there  who  drinks  or  keeps  fermented  liquors.  Stopped  at  a  public, 
kept  by  Clark,  an  English  sailor,  with  a  pretty  wife,  five  children,  nice 
house,  garden  farm,  barns,  in-house,  etc.  We  dined  ( !),  then  passed 
through  Troy  and  Marcia  Town ;  saw  the  stretch  of  the  prairie ; 
plovers,  prairie  hen-partridges  in  abundance.  Reached  Colonel  Madge's 
cottage ;  was  hospitably  received  and  entertained.  Saw  the  prairies 
on  fire  in  three  places;  it  was  beautiful. 

April  1th. — We  drove  out  about  a  mile  and  a  half  on  the  prairie, 
which,  in  its  bare  winter  garb,  reminds  me  very  much  of  Salisbury 
Plain.  I  can  fancy  the  sublime  sort  of  awe  that  any  one  must  feel 
in  being  twenty  miles  deep  on  such  a  wild,  and  it  is  in  its  extent  that 
its  grandeur  consists ;  its  beauty  is  in  the  flowers  of  all  hues  with  which 
it  is  so  gorgeously  carpeted  in  the  summer  season.  The  soil  is  rich 
to  rankness. 

April  lit/?. — Acted  Virginius  moat  vilely — never  so  bad;  the  house 
was  bad,  I  was  ill,  the  actors  were  incorrect,  and  one  of  them  was 
very  impertinent — impertinent  in  the  literal  sense  of  the  word,  for  he 
was  talking  folly,  and  it  was  insolent.  He  is  a  disgusting  puppy,  and 
looked  very  foolish  when  obliged  to  resort  to  a  falsehood  to  screen 
himself.     These  players  1 

April  l^th. — Was  gratified  in  my  walk  with  the  sight  of  the  lilac 
in  full  bloom,  and  in  some  little  gardens  tulips,  narcissus.  It  is  not 
only  the  sweet  feeling  which  the  beauty  of  flowers  always  imparts  to 
me,  a  tranquil  feeling  of  delight  in  their  beauty  of  colour,  form,  and 
perfume,  but  they  are  associated  in  my  mind  with  home,  with  dear 
England,  and  soothe  me  with  their  influence. 

April  ISth. — Rose  very  early,  and  coaxed  the  coloured  waiter  to 
give  us  breakfast,  on  which  we  set  out  in  the  carriage  from  Alton, 
bidding  farewell  to  our  very  civil  and  good-natured  host,  and  pursuing 
our  way  on  a  most  lovely  morning  through  the  little  town,  through 
woods  in  all  the  variety  of  vernal  beauty,  passing  the  wreck  of  another 
railway,  another  monster  monument  of  the  headlong  and  precipitate 
268 


1844]  THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY 

speculation  of  this  reckless  people.  We  held  the  river  occasionally 
in  view  and  then  the  thick  woods  would  shut  us  from  its  sight. 

April  15th. — Acted  lago,  taking  much  pains  with  the  part.  The 
audience  did  not  notice  me  on  my  appearance ;  to  Mr.  Ryder,  Messrs. 
Field  and  Farren  they  gave  long  and  loud  plaudits  in  receiving  them  ! 
Throughout  the  play,  too,  they  really  bestowed  as  much,  if  not  more, 
applause  upon  the  unmeaning  rant  and  gabble  of  these  people  than 
they  gave  to  me ;  and  really  I  tried  to  act  lago  in  my  old  earnest, 
"honest  "  way,  but  the  difference  is  not  of  importance  to  them.  In 
my  last'  scene,  which  I  was  acting  in  a  very  true  manner,  as  I  was 
taking  my  departure  from  the  room,  the  continued  vulgar  speeches, 
ejaculations,  and  laughs  of  some  ruffians  in  the  second  tier  quite 
overcame  my  patience.     I  threw  up  the  attempt  and  walked  right  off. 

April  16th. — Mr.  Maginnes  called — a  lawyer  here,  of  Irish  parents  ; 
his  father.  General  Maginnes,  led  the  rebels  at  Ballynahinch  ;  his  uncle 
Peeling  was  taken  as  aide-de-camp  of  Humbert  at  Killala,  and  hung 
by  Lord  Cornwallis.  He  shot  a  man  in  a  duel  in  Kentucky,  fled  and 
settled  here.  He  avowed  some  principles  not  to  my  taste — e.  g.  his 
having  assisted  in  executing  lynch-law  on  negroes,  and  his  approval 
of  men  taking  the  law  into  their  own  hands  to  redress  their  injuries. 
Acted  Shylock,  I  think,  and  the  audience,  few  in  number  (Mr.  Ryder's 
Benefit,  poor  man  !),  seemed  to  appreciate  and  understand  the  play 
better  than  any  we  have  yet  had.  I  suppose  we  had  only  the  few 
who  cared  for  Shakspeare,  the  large  majority  having  been  drafted  off 
to  Vieuxtemps's  only  concert  at  the  planter's  house.  His  bill  is  a 
curiosity ;  he  is  rivalling  Ole  Bull  in  quackery. 

April  Ylth. — To  my  great  satisfaction  I  received  a  large  pair  of 
buffalo  horns,  and  a  grand  pair  of  elk  horns  fi'om  a  Mr.  Whatton. 
Rested.  Acted  Macbeth  really  well,  too  well  for  St.  Louis,  though 
the  audience  were  much  more  decorous,  attentive,  and  appreciative 
than  I  have  heretofore  found  them.  I  suppose  they  begin  to  under- 
stand me.     Was  called  for  and  bowed. 

April  19t/?. — Went  on  board  the  West  Wind.  Saw  on  board 
two  of  the  Scholefields  of  Birmingham,  whom  I  was  really  delighted 
to  meet.  We  went  on  our  watery  way,  the  river  varying  its  form,  the 
banks  as  constantly  changing  from  bluff  or  wooded  hill  to  low  brake  or 
wood,  or  wooded  highland  with  rocks — most  interesting. 

April  9,1st. — Went  up  on  deck  in  the  early  morning,  and  enjoyed 
the  air,  the  river  and  the  exercise  very  much.  Began  Samson 
Agonistes.     Read   some   interesting   passages  in   the   History   of  the 

269 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1844 

Church,  a  book  I  must  endeavour  to  read  carefully  through.  Talked 
with  a  gentleman  from  Iowa,  who  had  been  giving  a  fearful  account 
of  the  wild  and  lawless  condition  of  that  territory,  when  it  was  first 
put  into  a  state  for  territorial  jurisdiction. 

Louisville,  April  ^9,nd. — Went  into  Louisville.  Passed  courthouse, 
jail,  markets,  etc.  Very  spacious  streets,  good  shops,  an  appearance 
of  wealth  and  comfort,  well-dressed  people,  etc.  Attracted  constantly 
by  the  beauty  of  either  shore  of  Kentucky  or  Indiana,  which  now 
showed  more  continuous  cultivation,  better  farms  and  houses,  etc.,  of 
more  pretension  ;  the  leaf-clad  hills  wore  every  variety  of  form,  and  the 
rocks  peeping  out  or  showing  large  fronts  from  amidst  them  were 
always  picturesque — it  was  a  chain  of  lakes. 

Cincinnati,  April  23rJ. — After  a  sleepless  night,  the  first  light 
showed  me  the  buildings,  etc.,  of  Cincinnati.  The  bell  rang  at  a 
quarter  to  five,  when  I  rose,  dressed,  etc.,  and  despatched  Thompson 
to  inquire  about  my  hotel.  Looked  at  Hamlet,  and  went  to  rehearsal ; 
took  pains,  but  the  weather  was  very  hot.  Acted  Hamlet,  I  think, 
very  fairly.  Came  home  to  hotel,  very  much  worn  and  exhausted, 
and  almost  dying  for  some  tea,  which  for  nearly  an  hour  I  could 
not  get. 

April  28f/j. — A  young  man  whom  I  do  not  know,  I  think  the  land- 
lord's son  came  up  and,  throwing  his  arm  round  my  neck,  asked  me 
if  I  knew  Colonel  Taylor.  I  said,  "No."  "That  is  he  behind  you, 
he  has  been  looking  for  you,  shall  I  introduce  you  ?  "  "  If  you  please." 
He  did  so,  and  I  remained  in  conversation  with  Colonel  Taylor  till 
Mr.  Foster  came  to  accompany  me  in  my  drive  through  the  city.  It 
is  on  the  bend  of  the  river,  built  over  by  streets  at  right  angles 
numbered  and  named  chiefly  from  trees ;  the  streets  are  wide,  planted 
generally  with  trees  along  the  foot-paths,  with  many  small  plots  of 
ornamented  ground. 

April  29f/i. — Acted  lago  as  well  as  I  could,  being  so  ill ;  very  much 
disgusted  with  the  house,  which  was  very  bad.  I  am  sick  of  American 
audiences ;  they  are  not  fit  to  have  the  language  in  which  Shakspeare 
wrote. 

April  QOtli. — Foster  called  as  I  was  dressing.  I  was  very  unwell, 
have  suffered  much.  Acted  Virginius  very  feebly  to  a  very  poor  house; 
suffering  from  debility.  Was  called,  went  on,  and  bowed.  My 
southern  and  western  tour  is  ended  :  thank  God  for  all  it  has  given  nie. 
I  feel,  however,  overwrought. 

May  1st. — Dear  memorandum  of  England  this  sweet  day  of  spring, 
270 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

bringing  with  it  thoughts  of  home  and  much  that  is  sweet  and  dear ! 
Felt  much  better. 

Pittsburg,  May  5th. — Was  much  amused  by  Mr.  Ryder's  report  of 
the  observation  of  a  resident  to  him,  that  the  "citizens  of  Pittsburg 
were  very  much  dissatisfied  with  Mr.  Macready  for  not  staying  to 
perform  there."     Ryder  observed  that  I  had  an  engagement,  etc. 

Harrishurg,  May  6tJi. — We  dined  at  McConnell's  Town,  a  very 
well-built,  happy-looking  little  town.  Our  weary  journey  jolted  us  on 
at  four  and  a  half  miles  an  hour  through  the  night  up  to  eleven  o'clock, 
when  we  reached  Chambersburg  batteries,  bruised  and  rheumatic. 
Lived  out  two  hours  there  and  then  embarked  on  the  railway — oh, 
what  a  relief  to  Harrisburg ! 

To  New  York,  May  1th. — Awoke  to  look  upon  this  very  pretty 
capital  of  Pennsylvania,  situated  on  the  Susquehanna.  The  country 
from  Harrisburg  to  Philadelphia  through  Lancaster  is  one  rich  tract  of 
the  highest  cultivation,  comfort,  industry,  economy,  and  wealth  in  the 
farms  and  gardens  and  orchards  that  cover  the  country.  At  the 
Schuylkill  the  views  are  most  beautiful,  perfectly  charming.  Reached 
Philadelphia,  took  railway,  travelled  rapidly  to  New  York. 

New  Yorlc,  May  8th. — Wrote  to  Miss  C.  Cushman,  as  I  had 
promised  Simpson,  wishing  her  to  play  here  during  my  engagement. 
Received  my  dear  letters  from  home ;  all  well  there.  Thank  God. 
Letter  inclosed  from  dear  Lydia  to  Letitia,  answering  their  letters  upon 
what  struck  down  my  heart,  the  news  of  poor  dear  Jonathan's  death. ^ 
We  talk  of  patience  under  these  visitations,  but  none  can  truly  investi- 
gate his  feelings  and  say  he  does  not  repine,  when  those  of  virtue  and 
high  character,  whom  he  loves,  are  for  ever  lost  to  him.  "He  stood 
by  me  like  my  youth."  I  should  have  been  satisfied  to  have  seen  any 
one  of  my  boys  (God  bless  them)  like  him.  He  was  a  noble  creature, 
dear,  dear  youth. 

May  IQth. — Acted  Hamlet,  I  think,  very  well  indeed;  the  audience 
were  deeply  attentive,  and  much  more  fervent  than  I  remember  them 
to  have  been ;  was  called  for  and  well  received.  Came  home  and  no 
tea,  "no  nothing." 

May  I6th. — Mr.  Gould,  author  of  Ludovico  Sforza,  called  and  sat 
some  time.     I  restored  him  his  manuscript. 

May  20i/i. — Acted  Cardinal  Richelieu  in  my  very  best  manner.    The 
impression  upon  the  audience  was  evidently  very  powerful.     I  was  called 
for  and  most  enthusiastically  received.      It  is  natural  that   I   should 
^  Jonathan  Birch,  a  relation  on  his  mother's  side. 

271 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1841 

notice  this  practical  comment  upon  the  honesty  of  Mr.  N.  P.  Willis, 
who  in  October  last  wrote  letters  to  the  National  Intelligencer,  stating 
how  much  better  in  this  character  Mr.  Forrest  is  than  myself.  He  has 
not  been  able  to  make  the  many  think  so. 

May  27t/i. — We  are  the  chief  attraction,  I  may  say  the  only  one, 
in  New  York  at  present.     Reproved  the  Birnam  Wood  messenger  very 

sharply ;  he  deserved  it.     Spoke  to  Miss ,  who,  it  seems,  laughed 

in  the  banquet  scene ;  my  object  in  speaking  to  her,  desiring  her  to 
call  here,  was  to  prevent  the  recurrence  of  such  inconveniences  as  I  had 
encountered  ;  but  she  promised  to  behave  for  the  future. 

May  20th. — Acted  Hamlet ;  the  latter  part,  i.  e.  after  the  first  act, 
in  a  really  splendid  style.  I  felt  myself  the  man.  Called  for  and  well 
received.  The  house  good.  Hamlet  has  brought  me  more  money 
than  any  play  in  America. 

June  1st. — Calling  for  Colden,  we  walked  up  to  Ruggles's,  where 

we  met  Mrs.  R ,  his  son,  and  daughter,  a  very  pretty  girl,  Judge 

Kent,  Sedgwick,  Prescott  Hall,  Griffin,  Hamilton,  Inman,  etc.,  at  a 
very  elegant  breakfast,  which  passed  off  in  most  lively  and  pleasant 
conversation. 

Buffalo,  June  24i/j. — W^edding  Day.  Rehearsed  Hamlet.  Dined 
and  had  a  "plum-pudding."  Drank  a  bumper  of  champagne  to  my 
dear  wife.     Rested.     Acted  to  a  bad  house.     Oh,  Buffalo ! 

Montreal,  July  5th. — I  walked  out  to  try  to  get  Mr.  Home's  ^  poem 
of  Orion,  but  did  not  succeed  in  my  quest.  At  dinner  read  much  of 
Ion,  which  thrilled  and  affected  me  again  quite  with  the  old  feeling. 
I  was  very  much  moved.  I  could  not  help  thinking  how  in  this  world 
we  let  petty  feelings  disturb  those  more  cliaritable  ones,  which  should 
cherish  regard  for  what  is  amiable  in  man  and  indulgence  for  what  is 
weak  or  worse.     It  is  to  be  lamented  that  I  have  ever  known  Talfourd 

out  of  his  literary  calling ;  he  is  unequal  but .     I  wrote  a  kind 

letter  to  him. 

July  6th. — Looked  at  the  papers  for  English  news ;  saw  flattering 
notices  of  myself.  Read  the  death  of  Thomas  Campbell.  "  How 
dumb  the  tuneful !  "  He  outlived  his  acceptability,  and  was  latterly 
intolerable  in  society;  but  what  a  charming  poet.  Eheu  !  By  the 
papers  I  see  the  English  people  cheered  most  enthusiastically  Nicholas, 
Emperor  of  Russia,  who  gave  j£500  per  annum  to  the  races  of  Ascot  I 
A  creditable  display  of  national  feeling  on  one  side,  and  a  discriminating 
act  of  bounty  to  suffering  humanity  on  the  other  !  I  also  perceive  that 
1  Richard  Hengisl  Home  (see  note,  p.  469) ;  vol.  I. 
272 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

some  persons  have  presented  a  piece  of  plate  to — Mr.  Bunn  for  his 
"uniform  urbanity  in  the  season  of  1843-4."  This  wretch,  who  not 
only  robbed  almost  every  player  he  had  dealings  with,  but  constantly 
insulted  those  whom  he  dared  with  language  of  the  most  offensive  and 
blackguard  kind. 

July  ISth. — The  day  on  which  my  beloved,  my  blessed  Joan  was 
born.  Remembered,  as  I  rose  and  in  my  prayers,  this  day,  that  gave 
to  me  that  lovely  child,  whose  face  is  left  like  that  of  an  angel  on  my 
memory,  as  I  look  upon  her,  decked  for  the  grave ;  part  of  my  heart 
was  buried  with  thee,  sweetest  child,  and  it  is  one  thought  which 
diminishes  the  fear  of  death  that  I  shall  again  be  associated  with  thee. 
Bless  thee !  oh  !  bless  thy  dear  spirit !  Amen !  Called  at  the  news- 
room. Read  there  that  a  testimonial  (my  God!  what  are  such  things 
worth  !)  was  presented  to  Mr.  Bunn,  and  that  he — he ! — whom  I  have 
seen  the  audience  yell  with  execration  from  before  them — had  delivered 
a  "  valedictory  address  "  !  !  ! 

July  17f/j. — Acted  Hamlet.  .  .  .  Lay  on  my  sofa  at  the  hotel, 
ruminating  upon  the  play  of  Hamlet;  upon  the  divine  spirit  which 
God  lent  to  that  man,  Shakspeare,  to  create  such  intellectual  realities, 
full  of  beauty  and  of  power,  inheriting  the  ordinary  wickednesses  of 
humanity,  the  means  of  attracting  so  strongly  the  affections  and  wonder 
of  men !  It  seems  to  me  as  if  only  now,  at  fifty-one  years  of  age,  I 
thoroughly  see  and  appreciate  the  artistic  power  of  Shakspeare  in  this 
great  human  phenomenon ;  nor  do  any  of  the  critics,  Goethe,  Schlegel, 
Coleridge,  present  to  me  in  their  elaborate  remarks  the  exquisite 
artistical  effects  which  I  see  in  this  work,  as  long  meditation,  like  long 
straining  after  sight,  gives  the  minutest  portion  of  its  excellence  to  my 
view.  I  am  not  well.  Shall  I  live  long?  I  do  not  feel  at  all  confident 
that  I  shall.  If  my  life  be  not  likely  to  be  beneficial  to  ray  children, 
I  have  no  other  wish  for  prolonging  it.     In  God  is  my  trust. 

Boston,  August  12th. — Hillard  called  for  me  and  di-ove  to  Cam- 
bridge. Met  at  Longfellow's,  Felton  and  Jared  Sparkes ;  with  Long- 
fellow's charming  wife,  this  was  our  party,  and  to  me  very  agreeable 
it  was. 

Saratoga,  August  20t/i. — Came  to  our  rooms,  where  I  finished 
Coningsby,^  with  which  I  have  been  much  interested  and  pleased. 
There  is  occasionally  a  gaudiness  of  style  and  sometimes  the  affecta- 
tion of  a  coxcombical  mind,  but  there  are  character,  pathos,  humour 

^  This  appreciation  is  in  pleasant  contrast  to  Macready's  usual  disparagement  of  Disraeli 
and  his  works. 

VOL.  II.  T  273 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1844 

and    graphic    power    assisting    the    interest    of    a    very    well-arranged 
story. 

New  York,  September  6t]i. — Called  on  Simpson,  who  gave  me  some 
account  of  the  London  theatricals.  Mr.  Bunn  had  ejected  the  drama 
from  Drury  Lane  theatre.  This  is  well.  Mrs.  Nisbett  was  losing 
herself  rapidly,  poor  woman  !  Miss  Helen  Faucit  has  engaged  for  Paris 
next  winter ;  also  that  Mr.  Forrest  was  resolved  to  go  there  and  act ; 
I  could  not  be  concerned  about  it  in  any  way. 

September  7f/i. — Went  to  Walnut  theatre;  saw  Forrest  act  Damon 
— a  very  dull,  heavy-mannered,  unpleasant  performance.  He  is  not 
a  good  actor — not  at  all  an  artist.  He  acts  Hamlet  on  Monday  in 
opposition  to  me,  and,  I  hear,  made  this  engagement  to  oppose  me ! 
This  is  not  the  English  generosity  of  rivalry. 

Philadelphia,  September  8th. — Read  in  W^ordsworth  as  reading 
exercise.  I  feel  my  voice  growing  more  and  more  inflexible ;  the  tones 
which  I  used  to  like  to  listen  to  I  cannot  now  evoke,  alas !  Read  in 
Hamlet. 

September  9th. — Mr.  Forrest  in  Hamlet  at  the  Walnut  Street 
theatre  had  not  more  (if  he  had  that  sum)  than  $200  to  his  Hamlet. 
If  it  be  so,  he  is  justly  punished  for  his  ungentlemanly  conduct, 

September  14tth. — Rehearsed  carefully  and  laboriously  four  acts 
of  Werner;  saw  the  impossibility  of  Mr.  Conner  delivering  the  words 
of  the  part  or  even  scrambling  through  Ulric  ;  he  could  not  even  read 
the  text  of  his  part.  It  was  too  serious  to  be  angry  about.  I  called 
Mr.  Burton,  etc.,  and  consulted  on  what  was  to  be  done;  he  was  for 
letting  things  go  on  (the  actor's  plan  !),  and  then  thinking  of  a  remedy 
when  the  catastrophe  had  happened.  This  was  not  my  course.  The 
chance  of  Mr.  Wheatley's  aid  being  negatived,  I  proposed  that  an 
apology  should  be  made  for  this  Mr.  Conner,  and  that  he  should  read 
the  part ;  it  would  quiet  his  mind,  and  get  the  play  through.  Miss 
Cushman  said  he  would  play  a  trick — he  would  have  a  fit ;  it  seems  he 
was  drunk  last  night.  AVell,  it  was  settled.  We  finished  the  play,  and 
I  went  home  dreadfully  tired.  Evening  came.  I  went  to  the  theatre; 
acted  the  first  act  of  W^erner  excellently ;  went  on  to  Josephine  and 
Ulric  in  the  second  ;  had  not  spoken  six  lines  before  Ulric — Mr.  Conner 
— gave  a  reel  (not  a  good  one — I  have  no  faith  in  it)  and  fell !  !  ! — 
a  fit !  Wiiat  was  to  be  done  ?  Nothing  appeared  to  me  but  to  substi- 
tute The  Stranger.  An  apology  was  made,  our  dresses  changed,  and 
The  Stranger  acted. 

September  15f/i.— Saw  Forrest,  talked  with  him,  and  went  to  sit 
274 


EDWIN    FORREST 

rom  an  engraving  by  D.  Pound  of  a  Dagx'.eii-eotype 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

with  Mrs.  Forrest,  whom  I  like  as  pretty  and  amiable.  Talked  with 
them  for  some  time.     He  told  me  of  Mr.  Conner's  fits. 

New  York,  September  16th. — Looked  at  papers — the  coarse,  vulgar 
wretches  that  are  the  editors !  How  my  inmost  soul  sickens  with 
loathing  at  them,  the  vulgar  brutes !  An  American  editor  is  a  creature 
per  se — agh !  Acted  Hamlet,  in  defiance  of  the  dullest  audience  I  ever 
almost  encountered.  I  believe  I  acted  really  well — utterly  unaided  by 
the  audience.  Was  called  for  and  went  on.  The  heat  was  very  great, 
and  the  shouts  of  the  democrats  at  their  mass  meeting  were  heard 
distinctly  through  the  play. 

September  ^Wi. — Saw  a  St.  Louis  paper,  arraigning  the  stage  as 
the  ground  of  licentiousness.  It  certainly  is  licentious.  The  query 
is,  whether  there  is  not  as  much  licentiousness  in  private  houses.  I 
do  not  know !  There  is  certainly  much  temptation  and  opportunity 
among  players  for  licentiousness — i.  e.  among  the  herd.  I  am  sure  the 
leading  persons  have  not  much  ! 

September  ^5th. — The  anniversary  of  my  opening  the  Park  theatre, 
New  York,  since  when  I  find  myself,  with  all  my  expenses  paid,  about 
<£5,500  bettered  in  pecuniary  circumstances,  for  which  I  gratefully, 
devoutly  and  earnestly  thank  God. 

September  Tlth. — Acted  King  Lear,  in  many  parts  very  well. 
Called  for  by  the  audience,  but  an  apology  was  made  whilst  I  changed 
my  dress,  I  was  most  enthusiastically  received,  and  spoke  the  speech 
I  had  prepared.  The  audience  were  evidently  greatly  pleased  and 
moved,  and  at  the  end  nearly,  if  not  quite,  the  whole  house  rose, 
waving  handkerchiefs,  etc.     I  have  certainly  been  very  successful. 

Boston,  October  2nd. — Acted  Hamlet  in  this  barn-like  stage  with 
church-like  audience,  better,  perhaps,  altogether  than  I  ever  in  my 
life  before  did !  The  performance  was  too  good  for  the  place !  The 
house  was  good,  but  not  overfloAving ;  not  full,  which  it  ought  to  have 
been  to  have  paid  such  suffering. 

October  1th. — Dr.  Lardner  called  and  sat  very  long,  wearying  and 
annoying  me  with  a  most  uninteresting  string  of  flippant  dogmas — 
this  was  bad  enough — abusing  Bulwer,  and  talking  most  disagreeably ; 
but  when  he  began  to  talk  about  his  own  affairs — Mrs.  Heaviside's 
divorce,  her  property,  his  liability,  etc.,  it  was  actually  disgusting  to 
witness  the  want  of  feeling  and  of  common  decency. 

October  14f/i. — Note  from  Longfellow,  from  Grattan  in  answer 
to  mine.  George  Curtis  called  with  a  note  of  the  kindest  import  from 
Judge  Story  with  his  miscellaneous  writings.     Went  out  with  Colden 

T  2  275 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1844 

in  carriage  to  Steam  Packet  OlHce,  and  paid  for  my  passage — to  Eng- 
land !  Went  to  rehearsal  and  passed  through  a  crowd  of  people  striv- 
ing for  places.  Rehearsed,  and  disgusted  with  Mr.  Rodney's  behaviour 
in  undertaking  a  part  and  then  at  the  last  moment  refusing  to  do  it. 
It  would  have  been  shameful  enough  with  his  help — as  it  was  it  was 
disgraceful.  He  is  a  fool  and,  I  fear,  a  knave.  Mr.  Ayling,  Mr. 
Ryder  and  Miss  Cushman  volunteered  their  opinions  that  he  contem- 
plates some  escapade.  I  was  wretchedly  nervous.  Came  home  and 
sent  for  Hillard.  The  kindest  note  from  Colonel  Perkins,  who  has 
sent  a  chair  to  the  ship  for  my  convenience.  I  was  touched  by  his 
most  kind  attention — the  good  old  man !  Note  from  dear  Felton. 
Hillard  and  Colden  called,  and  we  talked  over  my  fears  of  Mr.  Rodney ; 
they  could  not  think  them  well  grounded — we  shall  see ;  I  do  not  feel 
safe.  Rested  and  tried,  worn  out  as  I  was,  to  think  of  my  speech. 
Acted  Macbeth  well,  where  I  was  not  cut  up  by  the  men  on  the  stage. 
Was  savagely  angry  with  Mr.  Ryder  and  quite  forgot  myself.  Oh, 
passion!  passion!  what  a  wretched,  senseless,  ruinous  guide  thou  art! 
Was  called  for.     Spoke.     The  audience  attentive  but  not  enthusiastic. 

London,  November  6th. ^ — Forster  read  me  Miss  Martineau's 
letters,  'i'hey  stagger  one  in  one's  incredulity  on  Mesmerism — is  she 
in  her  clear  senses  ? 

November  9th. — Mitchell  and  Serle  called,  and  after  showing  him 
the  danger  of  announcing  the  English  performance  at  Paris  before  Miss 
Cushman's  and  Mr.  Ryder's  arrival,  I  consented  to  open,  if  they 
arrived  in  time,  on  the  2nd  of  December.  It  was  settled  that  my 
plays  should  be  produced  in  the  following  order,  which  I  marked  at 
the    time    in    pocket-book  :    Othello,    Hamlet,     Virginius,    Macbeth, 

^  On  his  return  home  Macready  found  awaiting  him  the  following  warm-hearted  letter 
from  Dickens — 

"  Palazzo  Peschiere,  Genoa, 

"  October  14,  1844. 
"MV    VERY    DEAR    MaCREADV, 

"  My  whole  heart  is  with  you  At  Home.  I  have  not  yet  felt  so  far  off  as  I  do  now, 
when  I  think  of  you  there  and  cannot  fold  you  in  my  arms.  This  is  only  a  shake  of  the 
hand.  I  couldn't  say  much  to  you,  if  I  were  to  greet  you.  Nor  can  I  write  much  when  I 
think  of  you  safe  and  sound  and  happy  after  all  your  wanderings.  My  dear  fellow,  God 
bless  you  twenty  thousand  times  ;  happiness  and  joy  be  with  you.  I  hope  to  see  you  soon. 
If  I  should  be  so  unfortunate  as  to  miss  you  in  London,  I  will  fall  on  you  with  a  swoop  of 
love  in  Paris.  Kate  says  all  kind  things  in  the  language,  and  means  more  than  are  in  the 
dictionary  capacity  of  all  the  descendants  of  all  the  stonemasons  that  worked  at  Babel. 
Agiin  and  again,  and  again,  my  own  true  f.-iend.  Cod  bless  you  I 

"  Ever,  yours  affectionately, 

"Charles  Dickens." 
276 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

Werner^  King  Lear,  and  perhaps  Merchant  of  Venice.  God  grant  us 
success. 

November  11th. — My  beloved  Catherine's  Birthday,  which  I 
entered  on  by  wishing  her  all  happiness  for  years  and  years  to  come 
in  the  return  of  this  dear  day,  for  which  I  am  truly  grateful.  My 
thanks  and  prayers  are  offered  up  to  God  for  every  blessing  on  her 
dear  head  now  and  for  evermore.  Called  on  Rogers,  Horace  Twiss, 
Everitt,  Milnez  Gibson,  all  from  home ;  on  Mrs.  Carlyle,  whom  we 
saw ;  on  the  Stones,  from  home.  Mr.  and  Miss  Inman,  Leslie,  Maclise, 
Stanfield,  Forster  and  AVilliam  Birch  dined  with  us. 

November  IWi. — Read  the  little  story  of  Grace  and  Clara  to  my 
darling  children.  Calculated  and  pondered  well  mj'  journey  to  Paris, 
and  upon  mature  reflection  and  consideration  of  dear  Catherhie's  state 
of  health,  and  of  Katie's  constitution,  resolved  on  going  post  to  Paris. 

November  14>th. — Heard  of  Lord  Napier  (of  logarithms),  foretell- 
ing on  calculation  the  destruction  of  the  world  in  twenty-four  years, 
and  wishing  to  sell  an  estate  for  thirty  years'  purchase ! 

November  18th. — Forster  called  for  me  by  appointment,  and  we 
went  to  Lady  Blessington's ;  D'Orsay,  Lady  Canterbury,  Miss  Power, 
Maclise,  Spencer  Cowper,  Captain  Purvis,  Powell,  Guthrie  the  surgeon, 
Forster  were  the  party. 

November  19th. — Read  what  I  could  of  a  play  of  Chorley's  ^ — 
among  the  worst  I  have  read.  And  this  is  the  critic  who  has  diligently 
abused  me !  Began  to  read  when  the  Carlyles  came  in  and  sat  with  us 
the  evening. 

November  Wth. — Called  on  Campbell,  the  sculptor;  saw  the 
monument  of  Mrs.  Siddons,  much  pleased  with  it.  He  told  me  Lord 
Titchfield  ^  wished  him  to  make  it  a  full  length  with  Adelaide  and 
Fanny  Kemble  on  either  side.     He  is  mad — at  least  on  one  subject. 

December  4f/j. — Set  out,  Catherine  and  self,  for  the  Dover  station. 
Dined  at  Folkestone,  where  we  were  detained  till  four  o'clock  by  the 
non-arrival  of  the  packet;  went  on  board  a  nasty,  miserable  little 
boat,  called  the  Water  Witch,  stowed  full  of  passengers;  good  deal 
of  wind  and  very  heavy  sea  made  our  passage,  of  four  hours'  duration, 
perfectly  miserable. 

Paris,  December  11th. — Alexandre  Dumas  called  and  left  a  box  for 
the  Od^on.     We  went  and  saw  his  play  of  Christine — poor  old  Mile. 

^  Henry  Fothergill  Chorley  (see  note,  p.  i68,  Vol.  II.). 

'  Afterwards  the  eccentric  Duke  of  Portland,  whose  name  figured  so  prominently  in  the 
bogus  Drucc  case. 

277 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1844 

Georges,'  quite  an  old  woman,  acted  Christine.  So  dull  a  play  I 
scarcely  ever  saw. 

December  ISth. — Eugene  Sue  called,  whom  I  thought  a  particularly 
agreeable  man.  Dickens  dined  with  us,  and  left  us  at  half-past 
five,  taking  Avith  him  the  last  pleasant  day  that  I  expect  to  pass  in 
Paris. 

December  15th. — Went  with  Catherine  and  Willie  to  breakfast 
with  De  Fresne ;  met  there  Regnier,  an  intelligent  actor  of  the 
Frangais;  a  M.  13.  Fontaine,  the  architect  of  the  palace;  Jules  Janin, 
several  others,  and  Miss  H.  Faucit,  Miss  Wilkes,  and  Mr.  Farren. 
It  is  not  easy  for  me  to  keep  up  with  the  French  in  conversation,  but 
I  managed  pretty  well;  was  amused  and  interested. 

December  16th. — Acted  Othello  with  great  care,  often  with  much 
reality,  but  I  could  not  feel  the  sympathy  of  the  audience ;  they  were 
fashionable,  and  from  the  construction  of  the  theatre,^  not  within  the 
reach  of  my  electric  contact,  to  coin  an  expression  ;  the  shocking  delay 
between  the  acts  was  another  cause  for  a  certain  heaviness  I  felt  to 
pervade  the  evening.  This  was  Mr.  Serle's  fault,  who  is  certainly 
with  many  good  points  a  very  slow  coach.  I  was  not  satisfied  with 
the  issue,  uneasy  and  restless  in  mind.  Alexandre  Dumas,  Regnier, 
Vattel,  etc.,  came  "pour  faire  leurs  compliments,"  but  I  was  not 
assured. 

December  18th. — Looked  at  the  papers,  and  was  most  gratified  by 
a  very  cordial  notice  of  Othello  in  GaUgnani.  Received  a  most  fervent 
congratulation  from  Eugene  Sue.  Went  to  the  theatre  to  see  to  some 
matters  left  unsettled  in  yesterday's  rehearsal.  Spoke  very  strongly 
to  Mitchell  about  our  future  plays,  insisting  on  the  proper  attention  of 
the  servants,  etc.  Rested  and  thought  much  of  Hamlet.  Acted 
Hamlet  fairly,  though  somewhat  disturbed  by  the  inefficiency  of 
persons  and  things  about  me.  Called  for.  The  play  over  a  few  minutes 
before  twelve.  Did  not  sleep  two  hours  of  the  whole  night,  my 
excitement  was  so  strong ;  painful  dreams  when  I  did  sleep. 

December  Idth. — Bowes  dined  with  us  and  we  talked  over  the 
drama  and  other  matters — amongst  them  touched  on  Talfourd  and 
his  imbecile  and  treacherous  defence  of  my  cause.  Oh,  fie  upon 
him!=' 

^  The  famous  actress. 

*  This  series  of  English  performances  took  place  in  the  Salle  Ventadour,  the    theatre 
u<;ually  devoted  to  Italian  Opera — {nofe  by  Sir  F.  Pollock). 

^  Macready's    quite    unreasonable    indignation   with    Talfourd    on    this    matter    was, 
apparently,  inextinguishable. 
278 


1844]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

December  21sf. — Went  to  theatre,  rehearsed  Virginius,  a  very 
troublesome  rehearsal.  It  seems  that  Miss  H.  Faucit  is  not  more 
smitten  with  Paris  than  I  am — the  audience  are  too  fashionable,  or 
too  far  off  from  the  actor.  We  shall  not  act  more  than  our  twelve 
nights ;  the  theatre  is  too  large. 

December  23rd. — Looked  at  the  papers,  which  contain  some  very 
eulogistic  articles  on  my  performances  here.  Rehearsed  the  scenes  of 
Virginius  with  supernumeraries  on  the  stage  till  twelve ;  then  finished 
the  play  in  the  saloon.  Rested.  Acted  Virginius  with  much  energy 
and  power  to  a  very  excited  audience.  I  was  loudly  called  for  at  the 
end  of  the  fourth  act ;  but  could  not  or  would  not  make  so  absurd  and 
empirical  a  sacrifice  of  the  dignity  of  my  poor  art.  Was  called  for 
and  very  enthusiastically  received  at  the  end  of  the  play.  De  Fresne 
came  into  my  room  and  detained  Catherine  and  myself  in  long 
conversation. 

December  ^Ith. — Wrote  a  note  with  a  box  to  Mr.  Corkran.^ 
Acted  Virginius  with  some  force ;  the  audience  were  deeply  interested, 
but  not  so  tumultuous  in  their  applause  as  on  Monday.  Called  for  and 
received  with  fervour. 

December  28t/?. — Dined  with  De  Fresne ;  met  at  dinner  le  Marquis 
de  Pastoret,  guardian  of  the  Comte  de  Chambord  (Henry  V),  Paul  de 
la  Roche,  the  great  artist.  In  the  evening,  Regnier,  Bertin  ^  and 
family,  a  son  of  Talma,  etc. 

December  29f/i. — Received  a  very  delightful  note,  inviting  me  to 
dine,  from  Eugene  Sue.  Called  on  Comte  de  Vigny  ^ ;  saw  him  and 
Madame,  who  looks  much  older  than  himself  and  not  handsome. 
Sat  some  time  with  him. 

December  30f/i. — Went  to  rehearsal.  News  of  Miss  H.  Faucit's 
illness,  and  inability  to  play.  Spoke  with  Mr.  Mitchell  on  what  was  to 
be  done.  The  business  was  at  last  arranged  for  Mrs.  Serle  to  do  her 
best  with  Ophelia.  Acted  Hamlet  as  well  as  I  could.  The  audience 
were  interested,  but  not  so  tumultuous  in  their  applause  as  on  the 
previous  evening.  Mrs.  Serle  made  a  very  fair  effort.  Two  "  artistes  " 
from  the  Porte  St.  Martin  came  to  my  room  "pour  faire  leurs  hom- 
mages."  De  Fresne  called,  and  was  greatly  excited  by  the  performance. 
I  was  called  for  and  well  received. 

^  See  note,  p.  325,  Vol.  I. 

*  M.   Bertin  was  editor  and   proprietor   of  the  Journal  des  Dibats — {note  by   Sir  F. 
Pol'ock). 

*  The  author  of  Cinq  Mars. 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1844 

December  31sf. — Wound  up  my  accounts  for  the  year  1844,  which, 
7  thank  God,  are  most  satisfactory.  Sat  up  to  a  very  late  hour,  half- 
past  two,  preparing  my  books  for  the  ensuing  year.  I  close  this  with 
thanks  for  the  past  and  prayers  to  Almighty  God  for  the  future,  for 
the  blessings  of  virtue,  wisdom,  and  true  piety  on  my  beloved  wife  and 
children,  my  dear  friends  and  my  unworthy  self. 


280 


1845 

Paris,  January  1st. — Received  an  Edinburgh  paper,  in  which  I 
was  very  much  vihfied  and  calumniated  to  raise  the  name  of  Miss 
Helen  Faucit — things  were  said  that  must  have  come  from  her  directly 
or  indirectly.  Acted  Werner  with  great  care  and  power,  but  to  a 
bad  and  unsympathetic  audience  I  would  not  give  in ;  I  think  1  acted 
well ;  was  called  for. 

January  Qrd. — Received  a  note  from  Eugene  Sue  proposing  that 
we  should  go  to  the  Theatre  Frangais  to-morrow  night,  being  the  first 
representation  of  a  new  play  by  a  friend  of  his.  I  answered,  assenting 
to  his  wish.     Acted  Hamlet. 

January  Mh. — Dined  with  Eugene  Sue,  his  collaborateur,  and 
another  friend,  a  very  agreeable  man.  Went  to  the  Theatre  Fran^ais ; 
saw  a  play  called  Guerrero,  a  Mexican  subject.  Mile.  Plessis  was 
sometimes  graceful,  but  not  quite  concentrated  enough  in  her  passion. 
M.  Beauvalet  was  melodramatic  in  his  style,  strong,  but  sometimes 
beyond  the  modesty  of  nature.  Eugene  Sue  left  me  to  make  his 
compliments  to  the  author. 

January  5th. — Bowes  called,  and  from  him  I  learned  that  the  play 
of  last  night  had  five  acts,  and  that  I  had  left  at  the  end  of  the  third ! 
Oh !  how  I  was  distressed  and  annoyed !  Eugene  Sue  must  think  me 
either  very  rude  or  very  stupid — I  hope  the  last.  I  called  on  De 
Fresne,  who  accompanied  me  to  De  la  Roche,  who  received  me  most 
kindly,  and  in  whose  studio  I  saw  two  beautiful  pictures,  one  of  great 
power  of  colour,  a  Roman  Beggar  Family,  like  the  strongest  of  Murillo  ; 
the  other,  in  delicacy,  sentiment,  and  harmony  most  exquisite,  a  Virgin 
and  Sleeping  Child,  Joseph  in  the  remote  distance  :  it  was  a  poem,  and 
bought  by  Lord  Hertford.  La  Roche  expressed  himself  greatly 
pleased  with  my  visit.  We  then  called  on  a  friend  of  Victor  Hugo, 
and  sat  with  his  wife  (the  woman  who  was  afterwards  tried  and 
punished  for  crim.  con.  with  Victor  Hugo)  and  family — he  not  at 
home ;  thence  to  the  Ecole  des  Beaux-Arts,  a  building  and  institution 

281 


\ 


THE   DIARIES    OF   MACREADY  [1845 

to  shame  the  British  Government  and  people.  Saw  De  la  Roche's 
picture  in  oil  on  the  circular  wall  of  the  theatre,  and  the  copy  of  the 
Last  Judgment.  Thence  to  an  old  gentleman  of  ninety  years  of 
age,  intimate  with  Garrick,  Le  Kain,  etc.  He  was  very  interesting, 
but  I  do  not  wish  for  such  a  life. 

January  6th. — Acted  Macbeth,  in  my  opinion,  better  than  I  have 
ever  done  before.  The  house  was  deeply  attentive  and  interested, 
but  did  not  give  the  quantity  of  applause  which  such  a  performance 
would  have  elicited  in  England.  Was  called  for.  Regnier,  De  Fresne, 
and  Mitchell  came  into  my  room. 

Januaryi  Ith. — We  called  together  on  Scheffer  and  saw  his  pictures; 
the  two  from  Faust,  the  Seduction  Scene  and  the  Sabbat,  were  full 
of  beauty ;  the  St.  Augustine  and  his  Mother  most  characteristic ; 
a  sketch  of  the  Dead  Christ  and  Marys,  quite  touching.  A  note  from 
Mitchell  informing  me  that  the  Minister  refused  us  permission  to  act 
beyond  Monday  night. 

January  8th. — Acted  Macbeth  with  effort,  not  so  well  as  Monday, 
but  in  spite  of  the  distressing  blunders  and  mismanagements,  I  think 
with  power  and  discrimination.  It  is,  however,  certain,  if  that  be 
any  proof  of  skill  or  power,  that  the  audience  applauded  Miss  Faucit's 
sleeping  scene  much  more  than  anything  else  in  the  whole  play.  Again 
I  had  to  observe  the  small  portion  of  applause,  i.  e.  hattemcns  de  mains, 
that  the  audience  gave  to  my  performance  ;  it  would  not  have  been  so, 
I  think — I  am  sure — before  an  English  audience.  I  was  called  for, 
and  Mr.  Serle,  as  I  thought  very  impertinently ,  said  :  "  You  had  better 
take  on  Miss  Faucit,  for  it  was  noticed."  I  was  really  stung  by  the 
unauthorized  intrusion  of  his  advice,  and  said  :  "  When  I  want  your 
advice  I  will  ask  for  it !  " 

January  9th. — Bowes  returned,  and  sat  long.  He  said  that  his 
wife  was  disgusted  with  the  audience  for  lavishing  so  much  applause 
on  Miss  Faucit,  but  they  know  best  what  they  like.  Lemoine  said 
that  she  was  ecrasee  by  the  part ! 

January  10th. — Acted  my  best ;  the  audience,  at  first  insensible, 
became  gradually  excited.  M.  et  Mme.  Garcia  came  into  my  room — 
'''pour  faire  leurs  compliments,^^  etc.  In  the  banquet  scene  a  wreath 
of  bay  was  thrown  to>  me,  which  the  audience  very  much  applauded. 
Called  for  at  the  end  and  well  received.  Acted  really  well.  Spoke  to 
Miss  H.  Faucit. 

January   llth. — It  is   very   clear  that  Paris   will   not  make  much 
money  for  me,  but  it  adds  greatly,  to  all  appearance,  to  my  reputation. 
282 


1845]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

January  IWi. — Corkran  called  Avith  the  Morning  Herald — a  very 
kind  notice.  Dined  with  Mr.  Rowland  Errington  ;  met  Lady  Welles- 
ley,  Baring,  Lord  and  Lady  Kinnoul,  Miss  McTavish,  Howard,  etc. 
Liked  very  miicli  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Errington  ;  a  very  pleasant  evening. 
Went  to  Galignani's — kind-hearted  man — the  party  the  antipodes  of 
what  I  had  left. 

January  IMh. — Acted  Hamlet  for  the  most  part  extremely  well ; 
the  audience  were  interested  and  attentive,  but  not  so  excitable  as 
usual.  Bouffe  came  into  my  room  with  Mitchell,  ''pour  faire  ses 
compliments."  At  the  end  of  the  play,  just  before  the  fall  of  the 
curtain,  a  person  (Mr.  Lucas  ?)  hissed  tAvice !  The  audience  called 
for  me  and  received  me  most  cordially.  Mitchell  came  into  my  room 
with  a  wreath,  and  expressed  himself  indignantly  about  the  low  and 
base  endeavour  of  some  persons,  pointing  to  the  front  of  the  house. 
I  quite  understood  him,  but  exactly  value  the  cowardly  indication  at 
its  worth. 

January  14t/?. — Saw  Mitchell  on  business,  and  understood  from 
him  his  meaning  in  alluding  last  night  to  the  endeavours  of  an  envious 
clique  to  annoy  me ;  he  meant  the  friends  of  Miss  H.  Faucit ;  but  is 
it  possible  that  she  could  wish  they  should  act  so  unworthily?  I  will 
not  believe  it.  Chapman  called  on  business ;  he  told  us  that  our 
receipts  had  exceeded  those  of  any  theatre  in  Paris !  Called  on  De 
Fresne  and  M.  Perrez  with  Catherine.  What  things  he  told  and 
read  to  me  of  Egalite,  and  what  treason  on  treason  of  Tallyerand  ! 
One  most  amusing  and  interesting  anecdote  of  Napoleon  and  the 
Emperor  of  Russia.  Showed  me  Talleyrand's  letter,  autograph,  urg- 
ing the  execution  of  D'Enghien.  In  the  evening  cut  and  arranged 
Hamlet  for  the  Palace. 

January  15th. — Spoke  to  Mitchell,  who  gave  me  a  letter  from 
George  Sand,  most  eloquent  and  elegant.  He  showed  me  another  to 
Ledru  in  which  it  was  enclosed.  Called  with  Catherine  on  De  Fresne. 
We  went  together  to  Mr.  Pourtales,  and  saw  his  pictures  and  his  gems. 
Bowes  told  me  distinctly  that  Miss  H.  FauciVs  friends  were  my  enemies, 
and  let  me  no  room  to  doubt  on  the  subject. 

January  16th. — I  drove  to  the  Tuileries.  We  inquired  for  the 
concierge,  M.  Lecomte,  and  having  found  his  bureau  and  presented 
the  order  from  Mr.  Lambert  (which  Mitchell  had  brought  me  with 
a  box  for  Catherine,  admitting  two  persons),  M.  Lecomte  conducted 
us  to  the  second  door  en  face.  By  this  we  entered,  and  passing 
through  the  lobbies  and  galleries  came  upon  the  front  boxes  of  the 

283 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1845 

theatre.  It  was  all  most  elegant;  much  larj^^er  than  I  had  anticipated 
from  my  recollection  of  Fontainebleau  and  some  theatres  in  the  Italian 
palaces ;  but  it  was  such  a  theatre  as  befitted  the  palace  of  the  king  of 
a  great  nation.  Whether  great  nations  ought  to  have  kings  is  a 
question  for  A.D.  2045  to  decide.  I  went  upon  t.lie  stage,  which  was 
filled  up  exactly  as  at  the  Ventadour ;  even  to  the  round  trap  for  the 
Ghost's  descent.  With  much  difficulty,  after  being  led  wliere  I  could 
not  follow,  I  obtained  a  room  at  a  moderate  height  from  the  stage, 
and  having  secured  the  entrance  of  my  servant  and  self,  on  which  point 
there  was  great  jealousy,  I  returned  to  my  hotel.  I  thought  much  on 
what  I  had  to  go  through,  being  quite  aware  that  there  could  be  little 
or  no  applause,  and  fixedly  making  up  my  mind  to  occupy  my  thoughts 
alone  with  Hamlet ;  to  be  Hamlet,  and  think  neither  of  King,  nor  Court, 
nor  anything  but  my  personation.  I  went  with  Stent  to  the  Palace  and 
was  met  by  Mitchell's  officious  man,  who  had  nearly  caused  us  some 
delay.  We  reached  my  room,  and  I  was  tolerably  accommodated. 
The  play  began,  and  I  adhered  to  my  purpose ;  had  neither  eyes  nor 
thought  for  anything  but  the  feelings  and  thoughts  and  demeanour 
of  Hamlet.  In  my  mind  I  never  gave  such  a  representation  of  the 
part,  and  without  a  hand  of  applause ;  but  indeed  there  was  an  attempt 
in  the  first  scene  by  some  one  who,  I  suppose,  because  sensible  of  his 
offence  against  decorum,  "  and  back  recoiled,  lie  knew  not  why,  even  at 
the  sound  himself  had  made."  In  the  fourth  act,  where  I  have 
nothing  to  do,  I  did  cast  a  glance  at  the  royal  box ;  saw  the  white  fuzz 
of  the  Queen's  head  and  the  old  King  on  the  other  side  of  the  centre ; 
the  salle  had  altogether  a  very  brilliant  appearance,  the  pit  was  filled 
with  military.  Mr.  Serle  was  very  long  between  the  acts.  After  the 
play  one  of  the  King's  suite  in  court  uniform  waited  on  me,  and,  with 
expressions  of  his  Majesty's  pleasure,  etc.,  presented  me  with  a  long 
packet  or  parcel.  I  hastily  dressed.  Mitchell  just  spoke  to  me.  Miss 
H.  Faucit,  as  I  passed  her,  said  :  ''Such  a  pretty  bracelet."  I  hurried 
home  to  Catherine,  told  her  all  the  news,  and  looked  at  the  poniard  ' 
sent  by  the  King. 

January  11th. — Went  to  the  theatre  and  saw  Mitchell,  who 
showed  me  the  snuff-box  sent  to  him  by  I^ouis  Philippe,  and  amused 
me  with  the  account  of  the  King's  conversation  with  him.  Acted 
King  Henry  IV  pretty  well ;  it  seemed  to  impress  the  audience ;  it  is 
not  a  scene  to  excite  enthusiasm.     Saw  and  spoke  a  few  words  to  Helen 

*  The  poniard    f;ivcn  by    Louis  Philippe  to  Macready  was  bequeathed   by  him  to  his 
daughter,   Bcnvenuta — Mrs.   Horsford — (tioie  f'y  Sir  F,  Pollock). 
284 


1845]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

Faucit.  She  had  on  the  bracelet  which  the  King  had  sent  her ;  was 
very  curious  to  know  what  had  been  given  to  me,  but  I  did  not  gratify 
her.     She  looked  very  well. 

January  18th. — Went  to  the  Opera  Comique,  and  saw  the  stage, 
etc.,  which  was  arranged  for  the  scene  of  King  Henry  IV.  M.  Henri, 
the  sous-r6gisseur,  was  very  civil  in  doing  the  honours  of  his  establish- 
ment. Chapman  told  me  that  Mr.  Forrest,  whom  Mr.  Mitchell 
avoided,  had  seen  him  and  told  him  that  '^London  was  ringing  with 
the  failure  of  the  English  theatre  in  Paris."  Mr.  Chapman  answered 
him  very  properly.  When  on  the  stage  and  prepared  to  begin,  a 
person  came  forward  and  introduced  me  to  the  manager  of  the  theatre. 
The  curtain  drew  up,  and  the  audience  were  deeply  attentive.  One 
person  tried  at  the  commencement  to  disturb  the  performance  by 
mimicking  my  voice,  but  it  was  put  down  instantly,  and  the  act  of 
King  Henry  IV  was  listened  to  with  the  deepest  attention.  Whilst  I 
was  undressing,  the  Committee  of  the  Authors,  etc.,  requested  to  see 
me  and,  entering,  presented  me  with  a  letter  and  (as  I  afterwards 
found)  a  gold  medal  inscribed  to  me !  I  thanked  them,  etc.  M. 
Halevy  was  the  principal.^ 

January  19th. — O'Reilly  wrote,  wishing  to  have  some  account  of 
the  scene  of  the  presentation  of  the  ataghan  at  the  Tuileries,  but  as  I 
intimated  to  his  messenger,  "Story?  God  bless  you!  I  have  none 
to  tell,  sir !  "     I  was  I'equired  to  show  the  ataghan,  from  which  one  of 

^  This  performance  was  given  at  the  request  of  the  Committee  of  the  Society  for  the 
Rehef  of  Distressed  Authors,  for  the  benefit  of  their  fmid.  The  letter  of  thanks  was  as 
follows — 

"Paris,  le  \% Janvier,  1845. 

"Monsieur, 

"  La  Commission  de  la  Societe  des  Auteurs  Dramatiques  Fran9ais  a  besoin,  avant 
votre  depart  pour  I'Angleterre,  de  vous  renouveler  ses  remerciements,  L'appui,  tout 
puissant,  que  vous  venez  de  preter  a  sa  caisse  de  secours  n'a  pu  augmenter  sans  doute 
I'admiraiion  que  tout  Paris  professe  pour  votre  grand  talent ;  mais  il  a  doubl6  I'estime  que 
Ton  doit  a  votre  noble  et  g^nereux  caractere. 

"  Permettez-nous,  monsieur,  de  vous  oftrir,  comme  un  temoignage  de  cette  haute  estime, 
la  m^daille  d'or  que  nous  venons  de  faire  frapper  \  votre  nom.  Elle  vous  rappellera 
quelquefois  ce  que  vous  avez  fait  pour  des  infortunes  honorables,  la  reconnaissance  que  nous 
en  conservons,  et  les  liens  indissolubles  qui  existent  d^sormais  entre  les  artistes  Anglais  et 
Fran9ais. 

'■  Agreez,  monsieur,  la  nouvelle  assurance  de  notre  haute  consideration. 
"(Signe)  Eugene  Scribe.  Victor  Hugo.  Etienne  {Prhident). 

M^LESVILLE  DaLTON. 

( Vice-Prhident).         F.  Halevy.  Viennet  ( Vice-President). 

"A.  M.  Macreadv,  artiste  draraatique  " — {note  by  Sir  F.  Pollock). 

285 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1845 

them  knocked  off  one  of  the  sapphires.  Called  on  Mr.  Ledru,  who  was 
in  bed  from  an  accident ;  he  gave  me  a  very  cordial  reception ;  told  me 
of  the  unanimity  of  the  enthusiasm  of  the  literary  men  in  Paris  on  my 
acting;  gave  me  George  Sand's  address,  quite  the  entente  cordiale. 
Called  on  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Errington  ;  on  George  Sand.  Went  with 
De  Fresne  to  call  on  Victor  Hugo,  in  the  Place  Royale ;  the  storm 
obliged  our  driver  to  drive  the  carriage  under  the  colonnade.  The 
house,  old  and  cold,  was  quite  a  poet's  mansion.  The  salon,  hung 
round  and  ceilinged  with  tapestry,  had  large  pictures ;  it  had  a  gloomy 
air,  though  not  dark,  and  looked  like  a  poet's  room.  Victor  Hugo 
received  me  very  cordially,  and  was  most  earnest  in  his  expressions  of 
admiration  and  respect  to  me.  I  talked  with  several  there,  and  had 
a  circle  of  the  young  men  around  me.  I  saw  his  daughter,  who  was 
pretty.  He  accompanied  me  to  the  door  when  we  left,  and  was  most 
cordial  in  his  adieux  to  me. 

January  ^Oth. — Called  with  Sumner  on  George  Sand ;  saw  her  son 
and  daughter,  a  sweet  interesting  girl ;  talked  much  of  Shakspeare 
and  of  England  ;  I  liked  her  very  much.  She  said  she  would  come 
to  England,  if  I  would  act  in  London,  though  she  disliked  the  country 
so  much.  Purchased  a  pendule  for  my  study.  Went  to  Mrs.  Austin's 
early  in  the  evening.  Mr.  Austin  was  in  the  room  when  I  entered 
but,  after  salutation,  retired,  and  I  saw  him  no  more.  M.  Barbier  was 
present,  and  he  read  part  of  liis  translation  of  Jid'ius  Csesar  into  French 
prose.  Left  them  to  go  to  the  Ambassador's.  The  people  were  so 
crammed  in  the  reception-room  that  I  could  not  approach  Lady  Cowley, 
but  almost  immediately  the  crowd  began  to  move  into  the  theatre, 
fitted  up  in  the  ball-room  of  the  hotel  or  palace ;  our  way  was  through 
a  deliciously  cool  gallery  lined  with  exotics — it  might  have  been  a 
conservatory,  but  I  do  not  distinctly  recollect.  I  got  a  very  good 
seat ;  the  ladies  occupied  the  front  benches.  I  sat  near  Broadwood 
and  Errington,  who  introduced  me  to  Lawrence  Peel's  son  ;  Galignani 
was  also  near  me,  and  I  was  weak  enough  to  feel  disconcerted  by  the 
proximity,  but  I  subdued  it  and  chatted  with  him,  though  under 
violence  to  myself — such  miserable  fools  do  pride  and  the  influence 
of  caste  make  us,  and  so  imbecile  and  unjust  are  we  beneatli  its  power. 
The  theatre  was  very  prettily  arranged,  and  some  of  the  beauty  and 
plenty  of  the  pride  of  the  English  aristocracy  was  collected  in  it.  The 
prologue,  WTitten  by  Lady  Dufferin,^  and  spoken  by  Charles  Sheridan 

*  Helen  Selina  (1807-1867),  one  of  the  "three  Sheridan  beauties"  ;  married  first,  Lord 
Dufferin  ;  secondly  on  his  death-bed  the  Earl  of  Gifford.      Mother  of  the   distinguished 
286 


1845]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

and  Greville/  was  very  smart.  The  scandal  scene,  first  scene  of  Sir 
Peter  and  I.ady  Teazle,  and  the  screen  scene  of  the  School  for  Scandal 
was  the  play ;  The  Merry  Monarch  was  the  farce.  To  me  it  was  all 
amusing — to  see  how  these  persons,  who  so  undervalue  the  theatrical 
art,  expose  themselves  to  ridicule  and  contempt  when  they  essay  it, 
was  an  entertainment.  Lady  Seymour  "  looked  very  mawkish  as  Maria, 
Lady  Dufferin  unmeaning  in  Mrs.  Candour,  Lady  Essex  more  at  home 
than  either  in  Lady  Sneerwell ;  Crabtree  and  Sir  Benjamin  Backbite, 
H.  Howard,  were  both  very  bad ;  Sir  Peter  and  Lady  Teazle,  Oriel 
and  Lady  Leveson  very  "tolerable  and  not  to  be  endured";  Lord 
Leveson  ^  not  so  bad  as  Joseph ;  C.  Sheridan  very  tame  and  very  like 
a  tall  and  handsome  Moses  in  Charles  Surface.  The  farce  was  better ; 
Lawrence  Peel  ^  made  a  respectable  effort  in  Captain  Copp ;  Greville 
was  respectable  in  the  King  and  Lord  Leveson  in  Rochester ;  but  the 
star  of  the  night,  and  really  one  to  shine  on  any  stage,  was  Miss 
McTavish  in  Mary.  I  did  not  think  her  very  pretty  when  I  met  her 
at  dinner  at  Errington's,  but  her  acting  was  naive,  sprightly,  arch, 
simple,  and  beautiful.  Saw  Mrs.  Errington  after  the  play ;  saw 
Palgrave  Simpson ;  ^  also  Lord  Cowley,*^  to  whom  I  was  presented  by 
Mrs.  Errington ;  talked  some  time  with  me,  complimented  me  upon  my 
success  in  Paris,  etc. 

January  21st. — Called  on  De  Fresne,  and,  although  with  very  great 
reluctance,  in  compliance  with  his  particular  wish,  accompanied  him 
to  the  Conservatoire.  Heard  the  pupils  of  Sanson  go  through  their 
course  of  theatrical  instruction.  It  is  an  institution  of  the  Government 
to  train  pupils,  who  are  elected  to  the  school,  for  the  stage.  I  was 
interested,  and  saw  the  inefficacy  of  the  system  clearly ;  it  was  teaching 
conventionalism — it  was  perpetuating  the  mannerism  of  the  French 
stage,  which  is  all  mannerism.  Genius  would  be  cramped,  if  not 
maimed  and    distorted   by    such   a   course.      Saw   Halevy    there,    but 


statesman,  the  first  Marquis  of  Dufterin  and  Ava ;  author  of  the  TAe  Irish  Emigrant  and 
other  popular  lyrics.     Commemorated  by  Browning  in  his  poem  Helenas  Tower. 

^  Hemy  William  Greville  (1801-1872),  brother  of  the  diarist ;  for  some  years  attache  to 
the  Paris  embassy.  A  portion  of  his  journal  entitled  Leaves  from  a  Diary  was  published  in 
1883-4. 

-    The  Queen  of  Beauty  (see  note,  p.  46,  Vol.  II.). 

=*  Afterwards  the  second  Earl  Granville  (1815-1S91),  the  well-known  Liberal  statesman. 

*  Presumably  a  son  of  Sir  Lawrence  Peel  (1799-1884),  first  cousin  of  the  Prime  Minister  ; 
afterwards  Chief  Justice  of  Bengal. 

*  John  Palgrave  Simpson  (1807-1857) ;  the  well-known  dramatist. 

"^  Henry  Wellesley  (1773-1847) ;  first  Lord  Cowley,  then  British  Ambassador  at  Paris. 

287 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1845 

could   only   exchange   a   few   words  with   him,    as   I   was   in   haste  to 
return/ 

London,  January  28th. — Called  on  Forster  with  the  small  bronze 
ornament  I  had  bought  for  him  in  Paris ;  met  Liston  at  his  chambers. 
Went  on  to  call  on  Mr.  and  Mrs.  J.  Delane,  saw  her  and  sat  with  her 
some  time.  Returned  to  Forster,  and  met  at  his  door  Edward  Bulwer, 
whom  I  did  not  know  till  he  came  into  the  room.  Sat  with  Forster 
until   I   went  to   Covent   Garden  theatre.      Everything   dingy,    dirty, 

'   Dickens,  who  had  left  fur  Rome,  wrote  the  following  letter  to  .Mrs.  Macready  relative  to 
the  Paris  visit  — 

' '  Rome, 
^*  Monday,  March  lo,  1 845. 

'*  My  dear  Mrs.  Macready, 

"  More  in  recollection  of  your  two  welcome  notes,  heartily  received  and  blushingly 
unanswered,  than  as  one  labouring  under  the  delusion  of  having  anything  to  say,  I  append 
my  sign  manual  to  the  highly  illegible  letter  of  my  worser  half.  I  was  so  cold  after  leaving 
you  and  dear  Macready  in  Paris  that  I  was  taken  out  of  the  coach  at  Marseilles  (it  was 
sixteen  hours  behind  its  time)  in  a  perfectly  torpid  state,  and  was  at  first  supposed  to  be 
luggage.  But  the  porters  not  being  able  to  find  any  direction  upon  me,  led  to  a  further 
examination,  and  what  the  newspapers  called  '  the  vital  spark '  was  finally  discovered, 
twinkling  under  a  remote  corner  of  the  travelling  shawls  which  you  were  pleased  to 
approbate — (love  the  word  ;  it  belongs  to  our  dear  and  enlightened  friends,  the  great 
American  people) — in  the  Hotel  Brighton.  After  that,  I  passed  three  days  of  waking 
nightmare  at  Marseilles.  I  think  it  was  three.  It  may  have  been  two,  but  I  crowded  into 
the  space  the  noisome  smells  of  a  patriarchal  life.  After  that,  I  was  so  horribly  ill  on  board 
a  steamboat  that  I  should  have  made  my  w'ill  if  I  had  had  anything  to  leave,  but  I  had  only 
the  basin  ;  and  I  couldn't  leave  that  for  a  moment.  That  suffering  over,  I  rushed  into  the 
arms  of  my  expectant  family.  Their  happiness  is  more  easily  conceived  than  described. 
You  know  me  and  will  paint  the  picture  for  yourself.  I  was  greatly  distressed  to  hear  from 
you  that  you  had  been  so  unwell  in  Paris.  What  can  have  been  the  matter  with  you  ?  I 
laid  down  your  note  and  thought  of  all  manner  of  possibilities.  My  particular  love  to  my 
godson.  Sometimes  I  have  a  terrible  apprehension  that  Macready,  conscience-stricken 
beyond  endurance  by  the  reflection  that  he  has  never  written  a  word  to  me  of  his  triumphs 
and  prospects  (I  have  a  great  desire  to  know  his  secret  mind  upon  the  latter  head)  will  play 
the  Roman  fool  and  die  upon  the  jewelled  dagger  the  French  King  gave  him.  Adjure  him 
to  be  of  good  cheer.  My  forgiveness  and  blessing  are  enclosed.  How  anxiously  I  look 
forward  to  finding  myself  once  again  in  the  dining  parlour  at  Clarence  Terrace — ^just  the 
old,  snug,  little  party  of  ourselves.  I  should  vainly  try  to  say  though  I  wrote  a  quire  ! 
But  midsummer,  please  God,  will  find  us  all  together — well  and  happy — and  mainly  so,  in 
our  mutual  friendship  and  attachment.  In  any  case,  as  poor  Power  used  to  say,  '  I'm 
mutual,  and  I'm  sure  you  are  too — though  you  do  attack  me  sometimes.'  When  Willy 
has  completed  his  complete  guide  to  Paris  and  its  environs,  I  shall  be  happy  to  edit  the 
book  and  to  preface  it  with  some  account  of  the  author  founded  on  a  personal  correspondence 
with  him  in  that  capital. 

'*  With  best  regard  to  Miss  Macready  and  all  the  pets, 

"I  am  ever,  my  dear  Mrs.  Macready, 

"  Faithfully  your  friend, 

"Charles  Dickens." 
288 


1845]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

vulgar,  and  poor.  A  miserable  coxcomb  displaying  tbe  antics  of  a 
tumbler  or  posture-master  in  conducting  tiie  orchestra  and  chorus. 
The  play,  Antigone,  wretchedly  acted  by  Mr.  and  Miss  Vandenhoff ; 
low,  provincial  rant  and  extravagant  pantomime.  If  this  be  the 
representation  of  a  Greek  play  the  Athenians  must  have  had  a  wretched 
taste. 

January  29th. — A  Mr.  ,  a  barrister,  called  on  the  subject  of 

some  dramas  of  about  3,600  lines  each,  which  he  had  made,  and  put 
into  Longman's  hands,  upon  the  reigns  of  the  Plantagenets,  joining 
with  it  a  history  of  the  Church  ;  I  backed  out  as  courteously  as  I  could. 
Called  at  Gore  House;  Lady  Klessington  was  just  driving  out.  I  went 
into  the  carriage  with  her  and  Miss  Power  for  about  five  minutes  and 
then  went  in  and  sat  with  D'Orsay.  Called  and  left  card  at  Bulwer's. 
Called  on  Forster,  Lady  B.'s  carriage  was  at  his  door.  Found  him  and 
Leigh  Hunt  at  dinner ;  sat  with  them  about  an  hour.     Hunt  is  a  bore. 

February  Qrd. — Sat  and  talked  with  Forster  ;  he  very  strongly  argued 
for  the  restoration  of  Hamlet's  speech  when  the  King  is  praying.  It 
is  worth  thinking  of. 

February  12i/i. — Catherine  brought  me  the  Louis  Philippe  poniard 
from  Smith's,  and  with  it  the  information  that  the  French  King's 
present — "Oh  Majesty,  how  high  thy  glory  towers,  when  the  rich 
blood  of  kings  " — is  silver-gilt !  !  ! 

February  15th. — Called  on  Forster;  found  Bulwer  and  Ainsworth 
there;  was  accosted  with  the  "dreadful  news" — the  sad  intelligence 
of  poor  Blanchard  ^ — he  was  dead  !  He  had  destroyed  himself— last 
night.  It  was  a  dreadful  shock ;  they  were  devising  plans  to  keep 
the  statement  of  the  suicide  from  the  papers,  and  to  concert  means 
for  assisting  his  orphan  children. 

Newcastle,  February  Idth. — Acted  Virginius  very  fairly,  thanks  to 
my  light  dinner.  Called  for.  Everything  here  makes  me  reflect.  I 
see  a  life  gone  in  an  unworthy,  an  unrequiting  pursuit.  Great  energy, 
great  power  of  mind,  ambition,  and  activity  that,  with  direction,  might 
have  done  anything,  now  made  into  a  player. 

February  9,^rd. — Read  at  the  rooms  a  confirmation  of  the  account 
of  Forrest's  disastrous  and  total  failure  in  Macbeth.  I  had  only  seen 
him  in  Lear  and  Damon,  which  were  very  dull  performances,  but  not 
otherwise  offensive,  but  in  Macbeth  he  seems  to  have  provoked  the 
patience  of  the  audience.  I  am  truly  sorry  for  him  (without  wishing 
him  great  success)  and  deeply  sorry  for  his  wife. 

^  Samuel  Laman  Blanchard  (see  note,  p.  86,  Vol.  I.) 
VOL.   II.  U  289 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1845 

Fchruarii  'Z'oth. — Heard  of  the  deatli  oi"  Sydney  Sniitli  ^  and  Lord 
Mornington."  Tlie  last  I  knew  nothing  of,  and  of  the  first  only  his 
talent,  which  was  not  fitted  for  his  station,  and  often  used,  I  think, 
unbeseemingly.     I  felt  little  interest  in  him. 

February  26t/i. — Made  an  extract  of  some  lines  upon  Richard  II, 

and  an  autograph  for  Margaret  E .     That  play  lives  in  her  mind, 

so  does  it  in  mine,  when  I,  the  first  who  ever  acted  it  since  the  time 
of  Shakspeare,  produced  it  here.  She  was  a  girl  then,  and  1  not  more 
than  a  boy,  with  no  power  to  see  the  course  before  me,  no  hand  to 
point  it  out,  no  mind  to  direct  me — my  talent,  energy,  and  youthful 
activity  a  mere  trading  property  in  the  hands  of  a  sordid  possessor. 
Alas  !  Alas  !  Acted  Shylock  very  unsatisfactorily,  sometimes  feebly, 
but  the  whole  play  was  so  bad,  I  am  not  able  to  tell  how  much  of  the 
dulness  is  chargeable  to  me.     Still,  I  was  not  good. 

London,  Marclt  ^nd. — Called  on  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Forrest,  with  Avhoin 
were  several  people  ;  to  me  he  observed  that  he  was  going  to  Paris, 
where  he  would  be  "better  appreciated  than  he  is  here."  I  fancy 
not. 

March  2rd. — On  this  day  I  enter  on  my  fifty-third  year. 

Sheffield,  March  5th. — Acted  Hamlet  pretty  well,  taking  the  com- 
pany, etc.,  into  account.  Called  for.  What  a  farce  has  this  absurd 
usage  now  become. 

March  8th. — Saw  a  Mr.  Brownell,  who,  under  the  remembered 
name  of  Fenton,  had  been  a  player  in  my  father's  theatres,  when  I 
first  came  on  public  life.  He  is  now  eighty,  looking  really  more 
healthy  than  he  did  thirty-five  years  ago ;  he  spoke  of  his  son,  now  a 
player  in  Australia.  I  was  glad  to  see  the  old  man.  Went  to  St. 
Paul's  Church  ;  inquiring  at  the  sexton's  house,  the  woman  said,  when 
I  told  her  I  wanted  to  go  into  the  church,  ''  Mr.  Macready,  is  it  not?  " 
I  told  her,  "  Yes,"  and  she  would  go  with  me.  She  told  me  the 
letters  on  my  blessed  mother's  slab  wanted  deepening,  which  I  expected 
and  went  to  speak  about.  I  stood  over  her  remains,  and  the  lines 
that  record  her  age  and  death.  My  heart  has  ever,  ever  loved  her: 
had  she  lived,  my  fate  might  have  been  different.  How  well  do  I 
remember  her,  in  life,  in  joy,  in  sorrow,  and  in  her  maternal  love;  and 

*  Sydney  Smith  (i  771-1845)  ;  the  famous  Canon.  His  wit  was  not  always  of  tlie  most 
reverent  description,  but  his  hatred  of  ecclesiastical  cant  and  pretentiousness  should  have 
enlisted  Macready's  sympathy. 

*  William  Wellesley  Pole  (1763-1845) ;  third  Earl  of  Mornington,  better  known  as  Lord 
Maryborough.     At  that  time  Postmaster-General  in  Sir  R.  Peel's  Administration. 

290 


J 


1845]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

in  death,  so  sweet  and  placid — how  well  do  I  recollect  kissing  that 
marble  forehead  as  she  lay  in  her  serene,  ethereal  sleep.  O  God,  bless 
her  beloved  spirit. 

March  9th. — Read  over  some  poems  of  Wordsworth ;  certainly 
where  he  is  good,  he  is  very  good ;  but  he  is  often  obscure,  often 
wordy  to  extreme  weariness  and  often  weak  almost  to  silUness ;  his 
egoism  ^  is,  moreover,  not  very  amiable ;  but  he  gives  great  lessons  and 
kindles  aspiring  feelings. 

March  10th. — Acted  Macbeth  with  great  pains,  and  as  well  as  I 
could  against  such  dreadful  accompaniments  as  Lady  Macbeth,  Banquo, 
etc.  Was  rather  out  of  temper  with  some  ignorant  people  in  the 
gallery  calling  for  Mr.  Ryder ! 

London,  March  SSnJ. — Mr.  B.  Smith  called  about  the  stand  for 
the  testimonial.  He  told  me,  evidently  with  reluctance,  that  the 
jewels  in  the  poniard  given  me  by  that  shabby  dog — Louis  Philippe — 
are  sham  ! 

Manchester,  March  ^Gtli. — Acted  Othello,  really  striving,  labour- 
ing to  act  it  well ;  partially,  I  think,  I  succeeded  ;  but  the  labour  is  very 
great  when  I  turn  to  think  that,  with  my  rehearsals,  which  to  me  are 
careful,  watchful,  and  fatiguing  businesses,  and  dressing  and  acting, 
etc.,  I  employ  at  least  nine  hours  a  day  in  the  theatre  in  labour,  to  say 
nothing  of  my  writing,  reading,  and  thinking  on  my  business  else- 
where. My  money  is  not  got  without  some  equivalent  of  toil.  Thank 
God,  that  I  can  work  for  it.  Called  for,  but  the  audience  seemed  to 
me  cold  and  difficult  to  excite,  very  different  from  those  who  used  to 
assemble  in  the  old  theatre— it  may  be  raised  prices  depress  their 
spirits. 

March  27t/?.— Acted  Werner  very  fairly.  Called  for  (trash!). 
Spoke  in  gentle  rebuke  and  kind  expostulation  to  Mr.  G.  V.  Brooke.' 
Read  the  Times.  Criticism  on  Mr.  Forrest's  performance  of  Meta- 
mora,  and  an  account  of  a  presentation  of  a  testimonial  to  Miss  H. 
Faucit  for  her  performance  of  Antigone — (read  the  stuff!) — by  certain 
members  of  the  Irish  Academy !  My  God !  when  or  where  will  the 
humbug  of  this  world  cease?  ...  I  fear  I  give  vent  to  these  expres- 
sions as  much  from  a  feeling  of  envy  as  an  impatience  of  injustice — 
which  cannot  be  enough  condemned.     In  this  profession  we  seem  to 

*  This  was  amusingly  exemplified  on  a  visit  which  he  paid  to  Lord  Spencer's  famous 
library  at  Althorp,  when,  according  to  the  librarian,  the  only  volumes  that  he  looked  at  were 
his  own  poems  ! 

*  Gustavus  Vaughan  Brooke  (1818-1866) ;  a  successful  Shakspearian  actor  of  the  second 
rank,  but  failed  as  a  manager  both  in  America  and  Australia. 

291 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1845 

suppose  that  distinction,  except  to  oneself,  is  an  obscuration  of  oneself. 
This  is  very  narx'ow  and  poor  and  bad.  I  am  quite  satisfied  and 
glad  upon  reflection  that  Helen  Faucit  has  met  with  so  much  good 
fortune,  but  in  fairness  I  must  say  that  it  is  ridiculous  to  call  such 
trash  as  the  language  of  Antigone  the  Greek  poetry,  and  as  absurd 
to  talk  about  Helen  Fauclt's  education — she  being  utterly  un- 
educated. Unluckily  the  stage  is  the  profession  of  all  others  for 
empiricism. 

March  28th. — Was  kept  long  awake  last  night  in  thinking  on  what 
the  thoughts,  sensations,  and  actions  of  the  convict  Tawell  ^  must  be 
during  such  a  night.  What  a  lottery  is  this  world,  and  what  a  miser- 
able race  of  beings  are  crawling  over  it?  What  is  our  mission  here? 
My  uncertainty  as  to  my  future  means  will  not  allow  me  to  be  happy. 
I  ought — I  ought  to  be — a  man  of  good  fortune  now,  and  what  am  I  ? 
What  would  illness  make  me,  or  any  reverse?  O  God,  befriend  and 
support  me. 

April  3rd. — Spoke  in  terms  of  advice  and  promise  to  Mr.  G.  V. 
Brooke,  who  is  one  of  those  whom  nature  has  gifted  to  a  certain 
extent,  but  who  will  abuse  her  bounty — I  feel  sure  of  it. 

To  Carlisle,  April  6th. — At  a  very  early  hour  reached  the  railway 
station,  and  sat  to  await  the  mail  train  for  Lancaster ;  found  Mr. 
Ryder  in  the  carriage.  Breakfasted  at  Lancaster  and  just  got  a  view 
of  the  Castle,  which  I  always  look  at  with  a  peculiarly  painful  interest, 
as  the  place  of  my  unlucky  father's  confinement  (for  debt)  when  the 
cares  of  life  were  first  devolved  on  me.^ 

Glasgow,  April  15th. — Letter  from  Murray,  Edinburgh,  expressive 

*  The  Quaker  convicted  of  murdering  one  Sarah  Hart,  at  Salt  Hill. 

*  Up  to  this  time  {see  Introduction)  it  had  been  Macready's  intention,  on  leaving  Rugby, 
to  go  to  Oxford  and  afterwards  to  the  Bar,  but  his  father's  misfortunes  compelled  him  to 
take  up  the  stage  as  a  calling  when  still  a  school-boy.  The  following  extract  from  a  letter, 
written  to  his  father  in  i8o8,  liy  his  Rugby  tutor  and  relative,  William  Birch,  describes  the 
high  promise  which  he  showed  at  school. 

Kugby,  December  8,  1808. 
"Dear  Sir, 

"We  will  with  great  pleasure  take  care  of  your  sons  as  long  as  it  is  convenient  to 
you  at  this  time  or  any  other.  Your  eldest  son  improves  in  everything  and  I  think  will 
make  a  very  fine  man,  to  whatever  he  may  turn  his  abilities.  I  cannot  omit  (though  I 
don't  know  whether  you  will  thank  me)  expressing  my  admiration  of  his  wonderful  talent 
for  acting  and  s|)eaking.  Such  a  combination  of  fine  figure,  expression,  counteniince, 
elegance  and  propriety  of  action,  modulation  of  voice,  and  most  complete  power  of  repre- 
sentation I  have  formed  an  idea  of,  perhaps,  but  have  never  before  met  with  ;  and  that  is 
the  sense  of  every  one  who  has  heard  him.  I  know  this  rare  talent  may  be  turned  to  good 
account  in  the  Church  or  at  the  Bar ;  it  is  valuable  everywhere.  Whatever  is  your 
2Q2 


1845]  THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY 

of  his  wish  to  engage  me  Avhen  disposed  to  visit  Edinburgh.  I  do  not 
knoAV  that  if  I  could  afford  to  do  without  it  I  should  ever  wish  to  act 
there.  The  impertinence  and  ignorance  of  the  Scotch  writers  jor  the 
Press  on  matters  of  literature  and  art,  and  their  overweening  conceit, 
disgust  me  with  them.  Ballantyne  is  gone;  Bell  too  (not  his  equal,  as 
cognizant  of  the  dramatic  art)  does  not  write.  Who  are  there  now? 
Rested  a  very  short  time.  Acted  Virginius — in  some  parts  splendidly 
— too  well  for  such  a  house.  I  fear  we  have  broken  down.  Alas! 
Alas!  What  satisfaction,  what  object  have  I  in  playing — if  once 
the  remuneration  ceases  ?  Called  for.  Spoke  to  Mr.  Ryder  and  read 
paper.     Weary  of  all. 

April  16th. — Dr.  Smith  called  and  took  me  to  the  prison.  Oh ! 
how  it  wrung  and  sickened  my  heart  to  see  crime — crime — in  all  its 
damning  effects,  with  the  life  of  misery  attendant  on  it,  marked  as  the 
destiny  of  youths  and  boys,  children,  whom  I  saw  there,  and  of 
young  women  and  young  girls — alas !  alas ! 

April  20th. — Letters  from  Catherine,  from  Bowes,  mentioning — 
what  I  am  loth  to  credit,  but  which  I  cannot  disbelieve — statements  of 
Miss  H.  Faucit's  detraction  and  abuse  of  me.  Read  Times — the  close  of 
the  debate  on  the  INIaynooth  question,  which  has  been  so  long  agitated 
by  this  Christian  legislature.  Oh,  Christ! — where  is  the  love  of 
man  and  fear  alone  of  God  upon  this  earth,  Avhich  thou  didst 
come  to  teach?  Answer,  Sir  R.  Inglis,  Plumptre,  Ashley,  Sibthorp 
&  Co. ! 

Carlisle,  April  22nd. — Rose  in  good  time,  though  with  abated 
spirits,  to  finish  what  remained  of  packing  and  prepare  for  my 
departure.  The  result  of  this  engagement  has  a  "little  dashed  my 
spirits  "  ;  it  is  quite  clear  that  I  am  never  to  look  for  the  chance  of 
great  success  ;  and  whilst  I  see  such  things  as  Mr.  and  Mrs.  C.  Kean 
— mediocrity  like  Miss  H.  Faucit,  etc. — receive  thousands,  I  must 
be  content  to  realize  the  prospect,  that  my  doubtful  hope  presents, 
of  securing  enough  to  retire  Avith  comfort  to  America,  for  I  cannot, 
that  is  very  plain,  expect  to  live — if  I  live — in  England.  I  am, 
however,  most  thankful,  truly  thankful,  in  my  individual  person,  for 
myself ;  but  these  things  keep  alive  my  fears  and  distrust.  Obliged  to 
stay  all  night  in  Carlisle.     Read  newspaper.      Walked  in  the  toAvn, 


intention  I  will  second  it,  and  if  you  determine  to  send  him  to  Oxford  next  summer  I  will 
endeavour  to  prepare  the  way." 

Macready  never  forgot  his  indebtedness  to  his  old  tutor,  with  whom  he  maintained  the 
most  affectionate  relations  in  after  life. 


THE   DIARIES   OF   MACREADY  [1845 

over  the  bridge,  enjoying  the  heavy  mass  of  shadow  in  which  the  old 
castle  lay,  the  distant  cathedral,  the  Eden,  and  the  gorgeous  red 
moon  that  rose  in  full  red  glory  to  the  left,  like  a  lamp  above  the 
dusky  city.  Old  times  and  old  feelings — the  times  and  feelings  of 
youth — came  back  upon  me. 

Whitehaven,  April  T3rd. — Looked  at  Examiner,  in  which  I  did  not 
like  the  abuse  of  Peel ;  it  is  not  argument,  nor  is  it  philosophy,  nor 
is  it  what  we  expect  of  the  Examiner.  Acted  Hamlet  with  considerable 
pains,  but  the  set  around  me  were  enough  to  paralyse  inspiration. 

ApHl  24t/?. — Rehearsed  with  these  wretched  players  the  play  of 
to-night.  It  is  not  to  be  evaded  :  the  members  of  this  profession — I 
know  of  no  exception — are  either  utter  blackguards  or  most  ignorant 
empirics.     Oh  God — and  I  have  been  thrown  among  these  things. 

Apiil  ^5th. — Read  the  paper;  was  greatly  delighted  with 
Macaulay's  speech  on  the  Irish  Church — it  is  a  text-book.^  Acted 
(.'ardinal  Richelieu  as  well  as  I  could  with  such  a  company  and  such 
apjiurtenances.  How  is  it  possible  to  prevent  one's  mind  from 
wandering,  when  in  every  theatre  there  ar